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HISTORY 





of 


The Presbyterian Church 


IN NEBRASKA 


By 


REY. JULIUS F. SCHWARZ, D.D. 
~ Stated Clerk of the Synod of Nebraska. 


C0@00 © i 


Golden Anniversary Edition, 


1924. 








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ERRATA. 


Page 20 Third tine from top should read 1776. 
Page 118 Omit third line from bottom. 


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HISTORY 
of 


The Presbyterian Church 


IN NEBRASKA 


By 


REY. JULIUS F SCHWARZ, D. BD: 
Stated Clerk of the Synod of Nebraska. 


OOSO0O 





Golden Anniversary Edition. 


1924. 














JOHN CALVIN THE GREAT REFORMER 
Born, July 10, 1509; Died, May 27, 1564. 


























PREFACE 


The reader who takes interest in the perusal of this volume will 
appreciate the fact that its production cost no small measure of 
industry to compile, arrange and write the matter filling its pages 
after the lapse of over fifty years since the introduction of Pres- 
byterianism in the State of Nebraska. 

For facts, figures and data in making this historical survey and 
compilation of figures we have turned to the most reliable sources. 
There are, however, many incidents in the annals of every long- 
established Church that must be treated, if used at all, after getting 
the most trustworthy informat on within reach, without an appeal 
to records. Where dates and other guides to the earliest happenings 
are not accessible, the author sets up no claim to inerrancy in the 
recital in the narrative or story of progress. Yet, in the main it will 
be found accurate in statement and faithful in adhering to the annals 


as recorded in their consecutive order. 


We have consulted the records of Synod, dating from the very 
beginning; fifty volumes of the Minutes of the General Assembly; 
“The History of Nebraska;” Kieser’s Book Store; ‘“Morton’s His- 
tOLnyeot Nebraska, Voll lly) History of Lancaster County; “Phe 
Walthill Times;’ “Presbyterian Law and Usage;” “The Herald 
and Presbyter;” “Old Elk Hill,’ and the Bible. Assistance must 
be acknowledged from the Secretary of the Board of National Mis- 
sions, Secretary of the former Board ot Church Erection, Secretary 
of the Board of Christian Education and the Board of Ministerial 
Relief and Sustentation. Also the Pastors and Elders who courteous- 


ly responded in furnishing the pages of history of the local churches. 


In the compiling the writer has taken real pleasure, as well as 
in the preparation of the book for the press; and hopes it will furnish 
no small mede of satisfaction to the reader, as it presents remin- 
iscenses that will, without doubt, be gratifying to the survivors of 
the membership of long ago, as well as history for the younger men 


who may be searching for statistics and ecclesiastical data of times 


ago. Ames NUE MRO SS 


2% 


16. 


CONSENS 


CHAPTER I. 


Presbyterianism Explained 


The Presbyterian, System: of Goverment 2 arene i 
IME titia St yg ee ac he rece we sae ee ae eee eo 1s 
Ruling’ py Fiders nl ores eae eee ee g 
DGS COMMS vet ees A ree nO Aer ee ee oe 9 
ANE @ VP SID y EO 1 ye sere es aso eee nee ee ee 9 
TE) SS V1 OU Soc ee ea ee ee ek 10 
The..Generak Assembly ose ne ee ee eee eee 10 
Potthatt orate: Satemy Vien aslo per isan ll) as 1) selene 11 
Worship and Doctrine of the Presbyterian Church ........ 10 
Portrait of Rev. Lewis S. Mudge, D. D., LL. D., Stated 

Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian 

Church “a thes Ui S.A oe tee eee 15 
A. \Dectrinal .Detlarattone 3) pte ee ee 14 
Penmssoim Members int pee CEN eee er, EA oe 16 
Convening of the Fiftieth Annual Session of Synod ...... 17 
Portrait of Rev. Thomas F. B. Smith, D; D., Retiring 

Moderator tS Nstect ee ohne oo ree a ee ee 17 
Portrait of Rev. George E. Newell, D. D.,..Moderator 

OL + Sy MOd, See eee re ale one ee Ae ee 18 
“The Synod’s Contribut'on Towards the Development 

of the States. .080 ee oe eee 19 
Portrait of Judge James R. Dean, Vice-Moderator ...... 19 


Portrait of Rev. Julius F. Schwartz, D. D., Stated Clerk 25 


CHAPTER I. 
PRESBYTERIANISM EXPLAINED. 


The Presbyterian System of Government. 


That portion of the Church catholic, or universal, with which 
we are connected, and which commands our preference, is designated 
“The Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.” The 
foundations of this Church were practically laid August 17, 1560, in 
Scotland. 

The first feature of the Presbyterian Church which attracts at- 
tention is the Scriptural and) liberal character of its government. 
The foundation of the whole structure lies in the people. With 
them, as found united in the particular churches or congregations 
of which the body is composed, originates the authority by which 
it is governed. The power does not descend from above downward, 
as in despotisms, but from the people upward, as in representative 
governments. Each individual member has a voice in the election 
of the officers of the church with which he is connected. Each church 
has its own rights guarded, as a member of the body, and its own 
voice in every question of discipline or doctrine. Regulated by a 
constitution, law cannot grow into despotism, nor liberty into license, 
Law and liberty mark every point of the Presbyterian polity. 

In the government and care of the church there is found a three- 
fold division of office. Two of these—the ministry and the ruling 
eldership—have respect to the spiritualities, the third—the deacon- 
ship—to the temporalities and the benevolences of the Church. 

Ministry— The first element in this system is the Ministry, 
that class known in the Presbyterian Form of Government as min- 
isters or bishops. Of the clergy we maintain that They Are All 
Equal, and that their authority is derived from Christ Himself. Rom- 
ans 10> 14-15: Acts; 10: 42; Matthew, 28: 19,20; I1.- Tim. 2: 

When the Spirit has called a man to this holy office, the Church 
echoes the voice of her Lord. The candidate presents himself. and 
the ministry, or the Presbytery, which represents the whole body, 
ordain him and receive him unto their number and fellowship. (Mark, 
3: 14.) 

The minister becomes pastor of the church through installation 
performed by the Presbytery or by a committee apponited for that 
purpose, as may appear most expedient. 

The call is presented to the Presbytery under whose care the per- 
son called shall be, that if the Presbytery thinks it expedient to pre- 
sent the call to him it may be accordingly presented, and no minister 
or candidate shall receive a call but through the hands of Presbytery. 

The custom of pastor-elect is inconsistent with the express re- 
quirements or implications of Form of Government. Presbyteries 


8 THE HISTORY -OF THE 


are enjoined—To take order that as soon as possible after a licentiate 
or an ordained minister has been called by the church, and the call 
has been approved and accepted, such person shall be installed as 
pastor of the church calling him. 


In the election of pastor no person is entitled to vote who refuses 
to submit to the censures of the church or who does not contribute 
his just proportion, according to his own engagements or the rules 
of the congregation, to all its necessary expenses. F. G., Chapter 
XXV, Section 4. Each pastor is bishop of the church over which 
he presides and with the Elders has control of all the branches of 
the church. None is set as superior over his brethren. Like the 
bishops of the churches mentioned in the New Testament, (I. Tim. 
3: 1-7; Titus 1: 7) he is the brother and equal of his fellow-Presby- 
LOLS. 


We hold that in the mnistry we have but one master, — that 
Christ is our Bishop, and “all we are brethren.” The ministry 
thus constituted is the primary element in the Government of our 
Church, They are charged with the preaching of the Word, the 
administration of the sacraments, and the oversight of the flocks 
committed to them. In all the acts and recommendations of the 
several courts the ministers share the responsibility with the Ruling 


Elders, who have an equal right with them to deliberate and to vote 
upon all questions. 


Ruling Elders— Another element is that of Ruling Elders. 
CON CUSM IA tees om Oram or lait tical sie) 

In enumerating the several denominations of persons in the 
Church on whom its edification depended, the Apostle Paul names, 
as d’stinct from various classes of teachers by him specified, one 
which he calls “governments.” In another place he speaks of elders 
who “ruled” without “laboring in word and doctrine.’ These officers 
we denominate Ruling Elders. This class is one distinctly recognized 
by early Christian fathers as in the Church, It corresponds with a 
similar class of officers in the Jewish synagogues in the days of the 
apostles. 

It is evident that the object of these officers was the spiritual 
edification of the people. “They were intended to instruct them in 
the knowledge of divine truth, to inspire them with pure principles 
and sp‘ritual affections, to form their individual and social habits 
to practical holiness and moral order; in one word, to render them 
meet for the inheritance of the saints in light.” 

While such is the object of the ministry and eldership, the pastor 
or bishop of the congregation and the elders who have been elected 
by the people and solemnly set apart to the office, together constitute 
the Primary Court of the Church. Of the Court the pastor is mod- 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 9 


erator or president, and one of the Elders is appointed by themselves 
as secretary. The body thus constituted is denominated the Church 
Session. It is charged with the duty of providing for the instruction 
of the congregation, the religious training of the young, and the 
discipline of erring members. It is governed in its proceedings by a 
code of laws adopted by the whole church, and is required to keep a 
written record of its proceedings, which record is subject to the re- 
view and control of a superior court. It has power to admit members 
to the communion of the church, to exculpate and protect those who 
are unjustly accused, to admonish such as may be reasonably expected 
to be reclaimed by gentle means, to suspend from the communion 
of the Lord’s Supper gross offenders, and to sever incorrigible mem- 
bers from. their connection. with-the:church, In cases of church dis- 
cipline every trial is open and public. A good record is required to 
be kept of all the proceedings; and parties interested are entitled to 
a copy at their request, without charge, save only the expense of 
transcribing. If, through the imperfections or bias of this court or 
any part of it, any person feels himself aggrieved by its decisions, 
he has the right of appeal to the Presbytery. 


Thus, cases of discipline are not brought before the whole church, 
to create a scandal which might often be greater than the original 
evil, but come before a body of judicious men, men of godliness and 
experience, chosen by the church for this purpose. And, should any 
local prejudice interfere with justice, an appeal is open to a larger 
and more impartial tribunal. 


The Presbyterian form of government also recognizes the office 
of Deacons. (Acts 6: 2-6; I Tim. 3: 8-13.) To them properly ap- 
pertain the care of the charities of the Church, the relief of the poor, 
and the management of its temporal affairs. In many places this 
office has fallen into disuse. It may be that the resuscitation and 
wise use of the deaconship would rel’eve the spiritual officers of 
the churches from cares not properly belonging to them, and preserve 
them from present temptations “to leave the word of God and serve 
tables.” 

The Presbytery is the first court above the Session of the in- 
dividual church, In it, as well as in the Session, is found the great 
principle of the government of the Church, not by the clergy alone, 
but by the min‘sters and the people as represented in the Flders. 
Each Presbytery is composed of the bishops or ministers of several 
neighboring churches, and one ruling elder from each church of the 
Presbytery. It serves both as a bond of union to the several churchk- 
es, and as a court of appeal to each of their Sessions. Meeting sem'- 
annually, the state of religion in the churches is passed in review. 
The records of Sessions are examined, that any injustice or irregu- 
larity may be rectified. 


10 DTHESTWISTORYSO hear i. 


The Synod consists of all the ministers and ruling elders from 
all the churches within the bounds of several Presbyter’es. Whee 
Presbyterian churches are numerous enough to require a still higher 
Court there is a General Assembly, to which delegates are sen 
from all the Presbyteries. 


The General Assembly is the highest judicatory of the Presby- 
terian Church. It cons'sts of an equal delegation of bishops and el- 
ders from each presbytery, in the following proportion; viz: each 
presbytery consisting of not more than twenty-four ministers, shall 
send one minister and one elder; and each presbytery consisting of 
more than twenty-four ministers, shall send one minister and one el- 
der for each additional twenty-four ministers, or for each additional 
fractional number of ministers not less than twelve; and these dele- 
gates, so appointed, shall be styled, Commissioners to the General 
Assembly. (Form of Government, Chapter XII. Sect. II.) 

The power of these church courts is both legislative, executive 
and judicial, and the higher courts are given authority over the lower 
courts, as set forth definitely in the Constitution of the Church. 
They all emphasize that Presbyterian government is not by single 
men, such as diocesan bishops, but by representative assemblies. 


Worship and Doctrine of the Presbyterian Church. 


“Till I come, give attention to reading, to annotat’on, to doctrine.” 
I. Timothy 4: 14. 


The Presbyterian Church in its worship is marked by simplicity 
and a close adherence to Scripture precedent. The public worship 
of God ‘n the Presbyterian Church is not conducted by a prescribed 
liturgy. The liberty of extemporaneous prayer is restricted by no 
forms. The heart of the pastor, fresh from the closet and from in- 
tercourse with his flock, leads the devotions of the congregation. 
Every circumstance of his people, their wants, their sorrows, their 
cares, their fears—may enter into the worship of God’s house. It 
cannot be supposed that liturgies were used in Apostolic times. No 
one can believe that Paul kneeled down on the shore, when he part- 
ed with his friends at Tyre, and read a prayer from a book, or that 
Paul and Silas used a prescribed form when they prayed at midnight 
in the pr’son at Philippi. “The Lord’s: Prayer” forms no objection 
to our usage, because it is not given in the same words by the dif- 
ferent evangelists, as it doubtless would have been had it been in- 
tended as a prescribed form. Besides, it contains no clause asking 
for blessings in the name of Christ, which our Savior himself sol- 
emnly enjoined upon his Church before he withdrew his personal 
presence. In the subsequent inspired history we find no allusion 
to this form of prayer, nor any reference to either saying or reading 





REV: WILLIAM HENRY ROBERTS, D. D., LES D. 
Late Stated Clerk Of The General Assembly, 
From 1884 to his death, June 26, 1920. 


192 THE:HISTORY OF; THE 


of prayers,—both of which modes’ of expression are natural for those 
who employ precomposed forms. 


In forming the “Directory of Public Worship,” our Church re- 
gards the Holy Scriptures as the only safe guide: therefore she 


does no more than to recommend a judicious arrangement of the 
several parts of the public service, throwing upon the pastor the 
responsibility of preparing himself for a proper and edifying per- 
formance of those acts of worship which shall be suited to the ever- 
changing wants of the congregation. 

In its teachings the Presbyterian Church addresses itself alike 
to the mirrd*and-the heart. 

We believe that instruction is the great instrument of Chris- 
tianity. Our Savior is the light of the world, and men are sanctified 
through the truth. We believe that worship and a due cultivation 
of the religious sensibilities are vastly important,, but that just con- 
ceptions of the plan of salvation, and a clear view of the prince ples 


by which men ought to be governed are the primary consequence, 
as indispensible to securing a right quality of worship and real ac- 
ceptance with God. 


The doctrines of the Presbyterian Church are Calv nistic. They 
are so called, not because Calvin invented them. They were the 
doctrines of all the leading Reformers,—of the Waldenses, for five 
or six hundred years before the Reformation, of Augustine and the 
primsytive Church; and especially are they distinctly exhib‘ted in the 
word of God. This system of doctrine is clearly sct forth in the 
Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Cate- 
chisms, and compiled in the Apostle’s Creed. 


Without pretending to expound fully the great principles more 
amply unfolded in the standards of the Church, we may say, briefly, 
that the Presbyterian Church maintains, that since the fall of Adam, 
and in consequence of his lapse, all men are naturally destitute of 
holiness, al'enated entirely from God, and justly subject to his e- 
ternal displeasure. The plan of man’s recovery from this state is, 
from first to last, a system of unmerited grace. The meditation of 
Jesus Christ, including his instructions, his example, his sacrifice 
on the cross, h’s resurrection, ascension and intercession, are the 
means of bringing men back to God. Yet these means would be 
without efficacy if there were not revealed to man a gratuitous justi- 
fication through the merit of our Savior’s sacrifice, and if the Holy 
Spirit did not by his own invisible agency cause sinners to accept 
a free pardon and salvation. Hence the provisions of mercy are 
gratuitous, not only depending on the sovereign grace of God, but 


PRESBYTERIAN, CHURCH VIN NEBRASKA: 1S 


the disposition to accept these provisions is produced by a sovereign 
interposition of the divine Spirit. 

“Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the 
world.” “All the dispensations of his grace, as well as of his provi- 
dence, and, amongst the rest, the effectual calling and salvation of 
every believer, entered into his plan from all eternity.” “Yes, so as 
that thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered 
to the will of the creatures nor is the liberty or contingency of the 
second causes taken away, but rather established.’ That man is 
free as to his will, that a full provision for all men is made in the 
atonement, and that it is not the will of the Father that any should 
perish, is abundantly evident from the Scriptures. Jesus Christ is 
offered in the Gospel as a full, free and willing Savior to all who re- 
pent and believe. Men perish because they will not come unto him 
that they might have life. For the false inferences drawn from the 
Scriptural doctrines by opponents, Presbyterians cannot be held res- 
ponsible. The distinction between a doctrine and the inferences 
which men choose to draw from it is not to be overlooked. 

The General Assembly of 1910 recorded “The Doctrinal Dec- 
laration,’ commonly called the Five Points, and reaffirmed the Five 


Essentia! Points of Doctrine in 1223 as follows: 
































A @ortrinal @erlaration 


Adopted by the General Assembly 10T0. 
Reafirmed by the General Assembly in 1023 





1. “It is an essential doctrine of the 
Word of God and our standards that the 
Holy Spirit did so inspire, guide and move 
the writers of Holy Scripture as to keep 
them from error.”’ 


2. “It is an essential doctrine of the 
Word of God and our standards that our 
Lord Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin 
Mary.’’ 


3. “It is an essential doctrine of the 
Word of God and our standards that 
Christ offered up Himself a sacrifice to 
satisfy Divine justice and to reconcile us 
to God.’’ 


4. “It is an essential doctrine of the 
Word of God and of our standards con- 
cerning our Lord Jesus Christ, that on;the 
third day He rose again from the dead 
with the same body with which He suf- 
fered, with which also He ascended into 
heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand 
of His Father, making intercession.’’ 


5. “It is an essential doctrine of the 
Word of God as the supreme standard of 
our faith that our Lord Jesus showed His 
power and love by working mighty mira- 
cles. This working was not contrary to 
nature, but superior to it.’’ 


<== 












































Rives © Sono MO) GE wD sels Des Stated: Clerk 
Of The General Assembly of the Presbyterian 


Ghurehne line linen ler oa. 








16 THEVHISTORY. OF THE 
Terms of Membership. 


The only terms of membefship are the conditions of salvation. 
A profession of faith in Christ and obedience to him is all that is 
required in order to be baptized.” Faith in Christ involves repentance 
for sin, dependence for salvation solely upon His atoning work, rec- 
ognition of His deity, acknowledgment of His authority as Lord and 
acceptance of the Scriptures as the Word of God. Every one who 
is conscious of his lost condition and realizes that he is in need of 
a Savior is a worthy applicant for membership in the Church of 
Jesus Christ. In appearing before the Session for admission into the 
Church the following questions must in all sincerity be answered in 
the affirmative: 

1. Do you believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost? 


2. Do you believe in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of 
God, and do you receive Him as your Savior and acknowlerge Him 
as your Lord? 

3. Do you believe in the Holy Scriptures as the word of God. 
and accept them as the infallible and supreme rule of faith and con- 
duct? 

4. Do you promise to endeavor to lead a consistent Christian 
life? 

5. Do you promise to obey the rules of this church, to contri- 
bute to its support according to ability, to attend its services, and to 
promote its peace, purity, and welfare, so long as you remain a mem- 
ber? 

The habits that every Christian should indulge in are, daily 
prayer, regular reading in the word of God and faithfully to perform 
ihe duties as a church member. 


EELS 


oe 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 17 
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY SERVICE. 





REV. THOMAS F. B. SMITH, D. D. Retiring Moderator 


The fiftieth annual session of the Synod of Nebraska was held 
in the F’rst Presbyterian Church of Kearney, Nebraska, October 
16-18, 1923. The Synod was opened with a sermon by the retiring 
Moderator, Rev. Thomas F. B. Smith, D. D., who chose for his 
text Exodus 34: 2, “Be ready in the morning.” 


A historical illustrated address was given by the Rev. Robert 
W. Taylor, D. D., showing pictures of many of the early workers 
in the Synod of Nebraska, together with scenes and the first church- 
es that were built in the Synod. 


The Synod was constituted with prayer led by Dr. Thomas F. 
B. Smith. The name of the Rev. George E. Newell, D. D., of the 
Presbytery of Hastings was placed in nomination and unanimously 


18 CHES TORY. © Balti : 





REV. GEORGE E. NEWELL, D.D., Pastor 


of the First Presbyterian Church 
of Hastings, Nebraska 


and Moderator of the Synod of Nebraska. 


elected. The Moderator chose as Vice-Moderator, Judge James R. 
Dean of the Presbytery of Kearney. 


A Golden Anniversary Committee had been appointed in the 
meeting of Synod held in York, October 17-19,1922, naming as the 
personnel, Rev. Benjam’n Markley Nyce, D. D., Rev. John H. Car- 
penter, D. D., and Rev. Julius F. Schwarz, D. D. Rev. Schwarz, as 
the Stated Clerk of the Synod, was chosen by the Committee to pre- 
pare a historical research which appears in Chapter II, under the 
head of “The Beginning of the Organized Life and the Development 
of the Synod of Nebraska of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A.” 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 19 





JUDGE JAMES R. DEAN, Elder of 
The Broken Bow Presbyterian Church 
And Vice-Moderator of The Synod of Nebraska. 


The Synod’s Contribution toward the Development of the State. 


Address delivered by the Vice-Moderator, Judge 
James R. Dean of the Nebraska Supreme Court, 
at the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Synod of Nebraska Held at 
Kearney, October 16-18,1923. 


Fathers and Brethren: 

The human mind is given to the observance of the anniversaries 
which mark the high points in religious and civil progress. But the 
observance of an anniversary standing alone is of small moment, It 
is the work that is done after the anniversary that counts. It is said 
that Mrs. Browning, looking from her window at the stream of 
flowers which were poured by the young men on the spot where 


20 THE-HISLORY OF THE 


Savonarola:fell, wondered what would be the fate of Italy if the 


young men were content with strewing flowers. 

July 4, 1775, the Declaration of Independence was given to the 
world and the anniversary has been observed ever since by patriotic 
speech and fireworks. But the signing of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence of itself would have accomplished nothing had it not been 
for the valor of those who signed and who at once went to work to 
bring about the fruition of the hopes which found expression in that 
historic instrument. It was not the signing alone that counted but 
it was the seven years of work and war which followed the signing 
that made our country free. It follows that if we give over the 4tk 
of July to speeches and fireworks alone it avails nothing unless the 
exercises are followed by courageous, intelligent and organized work 
for Americanism and American ideals throughout the year. 

So it is with the work of the church. We may have our ann’- 
versaries and we may sound paeans of praises in honor of the great 
church leaders and our faithful ministry but unless this is followed 
by untiring work the anniversary will be fruitless of worthwhile 
results. I am glad to say that in Nebraska the Presbyterian church 
as an organized body, under the guidance of the Synod, has been alive 
to its opportunities. But we must give our attention to present 
problems, 

In national affairs it is of course well to dwell upon the heroic 
deeds of the Pilgrim fathers and of the Cavaliers of 140 and 150 years 
ago and to direct the attention of young and old to the marvelous 
work they accomplished. To ment’on the names of Washington, 
Jefferson, Adams, Franklin and of Captain John Smith, Calvert, Ogle- 
thorpe, Berkely, and their contemporaries, is to bring to mind one 
of the most colossal achievements in ail the realm of time, namely, 
the founding of the United States of America. And it is well that 
we direct the thought of the young people to their example, But it 
will not do to stop with the spoken work of eulogy. We must do 
more, We must carry on. 


You will recall that Lincoln emphasized this thought in his 
speech on the battle field of Gettysburg when he said: “The world 
will little note nor long remember what we say here. But it will 
never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather to 
be dedicated here to the untinished work which they who fought 
here thus far so nobly advanced.” An unfinished work is the heri- 
tage of every generation. And it is our heritage. It is the burden 
of the race because the work of civilization is never finished. It has 
been well said that we build upon the foundation which is left by 
those who have gone before and those who follow us must take u 
and carry on the work where we leave off. : 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 21 


The question before us then, is what are some of the things that 
we should do in order that the church work may be carried on and 
greater advancement be made in the 50 years that are to come than 
has been made in the 50 years that have passed. I apprehend that 
one of the first things is to get the men of the church to work. The 
women are all at work. There is no trouble on that feature of church 
activity. They have their ladies’ aid and it is the parent of mission- 
ary and other useful societies. 

But what are they doing? It used to be said that when the young 
man arrived at the age of 21 years or thereabouts he had outgrown 
the sabbath school and was content with the attendance upon the 
regular church services and sometimes even that was abandoned. 
You will recall that it used to be said of some of our western churches 
that they had just enough men to fill the church offices such as the 
session and the board of trustees and the like. And sometimes the 
same men filled both. But that is no longer true. A change has 
come over the churches in this respect and men generally are begin- 
ning to take a more lively interest in church activities than formerly. 
And the men of our church are benevolent in all that has to do with 
church support and humanitarian work generally. On this point I 
strongly urge the system of tithing and am glad to note that at 
least once a year this plan of giving receives special attention in 
our churches from the pulpit under the direction of the Synod. 


The drouth of 1894 will be long remembered. The earth was 
like iron and the skies were like brass. Scarcely any rain fell through- 
out the year. There was a seed time but there was no harvest. The 
Presbyterian Church came to the relief of the stricken people of 
the state generously. 

Dr. Sexton, who was then Synodical Superintendent, in his annual 
report to Synod made these observations: (For this excerpt I am 
indebted to Dr, Schwarz, our efficient stated clerk;) 

“No true record can ever be made on earth of the self-denying 
labors of our ministers and the members of their congregations in 
hunting up the worthy destitute in order to relieve their necessities. 
From all sources relief supplies for the destitute came into our hands, 
and who was better qualified to make the distribution than the mis- 
sionaries on the ground who knew the people? So far as can be 
learnedsfrony-the brethren engaged in -act-ve-relief -work, wmany- thou- 
sands of people have been kept from actual suffering ‘by the timely 
distribution of food, fuel and clothing to those most in need of such 
supplies. The Presbyterian relief association of Nebraska organized 
about the last of January for the purpose of securing funds to pro- 
vide feed and seed for the farmers, received and loaned over $10,000.00. 
The Rev. W. B. Ringland, D. D., was the treasurer of this fund.” 


oz THE HISTORYSORS CHE 


“For direct relief work in supplying the needy with food, fuel 
and clothing over $7,000.00 in cash has been received and distributed 
by our missionaries within the bounds of our Synod. In addition 
to this about eighty-five boxes and 550 barrels of clothing as well as 
full carloads of flour have been received and distributed among our 
needy people. The Presbyterian church has taken high rank among 
the Christian workers engaged in supplying the wants of the desti- 
tute, and in time to come the fruits of such self-denying efforts will 
become manifest in the enlargement of our spiritual influence. Our 
thanks are due the many friends throughout the land who so kindly 
remembered us in our time of need and so generously responded to 
our appeals for aid. Our hope and prayer is that they may receive 
the blessing promised to the liberal soul, and with that also the 
greater blessing of eternal life.” 

I am glad to present the forgoing excerpt from the report of 
that pioneer missionayr, Dr. Thomas L. Sexton. 

The Y. M. C. A. is one of the greatest factors in evangelism 
and the Presbyterians have taken a prominent part in the contribu- 
tions which go to keep it moving along. The attitude of our church 
in respect of law enforcement is flattering. Our people have taken 
a prominent part in ridding the nation of the saloon and of the whis- 
key traffic generally. It goes without saying that Presbyterians stand 
for law and order. They stand for undiluted Americanism. 

Sabbath observance is very largely practiced by our people and 
a day has been set apart upon which the ministry of our church pre- 
sent that subject to their people. Did you ever stop to think of the 
revolution that has been wrought in the social and economic life of 
this nation by the automobile? The introduction of the motor pro- 
pelled vehicle into the already complex relations of life has brought 
about conditions which were unthought of only a few years ago. The 
automobile which is here to stay is the greatest factor in the business 
and social life of this age, and by it the fundamental activities of 
our people have been vastly changed. It has imposed new and un- 
tried duties and burdens upon all the people in their mutual relations 
everywhere. But it has been said by some that the automobile has 
caused decreased attendance upon the Sabbath services in our church- 
es. I do not think so. Right-minded persons will use this modern 
conveyance as a means to take them to the church rather than to 
take them away from its ministrations. Rev. Dr. Bible who will ad- 
dress you this evening on Foreign Missions told me yesterday, 
coming over from Lincoln, that in China a chinaman is taken into 
the church on probation and one of the requirements is that, if the 
man is a merchant, he must close his store on the Sabbath day and 
in China that means much because they have no day of rest. 

I do not know what others may think but my thought is that all 
of us may well say in the language of the old song, “The Old-Time 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 23 


Religion is Good Enough for Me.” Some innovation in the manner 
of church services are doubtless entirely proper but with it all we 
must not forget the words of the Master, who said, “And Teital 
be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” 

It has been said that the radio will destroy church attendance 
because the people can sit at their ease in their homes and there en- 
joy the church services and so remain away from the church house. 
A few evenings ago I heard Prof. Kent of Yale, a prominent church 
man, deliver an address at Lincoln at the annual meeting of the Con- 
gregational church. He said he did not fear the radio in this respect. 
He expressed the belief that the attention of the hearer would be di- 
rected to the man who deliverd the sermon and his personal presence 
would thereby be attracted to the church. 

An old Presbyterian once said to me that the Presbyterian church 
in the United States bears the same relation to the moral and re- 
ligious fabric of our country that the Rocky Mountain range bears 
to its material structure. In other words, it was, in his opinion, the 
backbone of the nation. His observation was of course one of loy- 
alty to a church that he loved. But perhaps there are Presbyterians 
who would admit it without argument, as the lawyers say. 

Did you ever stop to think how slow is the growth of a worth- 
while idea? Did you ever-stop to think how slow has been the pro- 
gress and growth of this nation? You cannot hasten the growth nor 
the normal development of a nation any more than you can hasten 
the growth and normal development of a child. All history teaches 
this. To bring out this point I heard Prof. David Swing of Chicago 
use this illustration about a year before he died. He said that ages 
were required to bring the human race to a point where it could apply 
itself to wisdom. His subject that morning was taken from the 
Ninetieth Psalm where it is written: “So teach us to number our days 
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” He said that the world 
had revolved on its axis for more than six thousand years before 
the human race discovered that it was easier to draw a loaded wagon 
on two parallel rails than to drag a loaded wagon through mud with- 
out the rails. 

It is said that where there is no vision the people perish. My 
friends, were it not for vision we would yet be dragging loaded wag- 
ons through the mud. And this would be true in every avenue of 
human activity. 

The Christian church today has the greatest opportunity it has 
ever had for real service to the human race, In view of the catas- 
trophe of war which has engulfed the world men say that the Chris- 
tian religion has failed. My friends, it is not the Chr’stian religion 
that has failed, it is the human race that has failed to apply its prin- 
ciples to the affairs of men. 


24 THE SHISTORY OF -LHE 


What a spectacle the world presents today. Russ‘an in ruins. 
Germany on the point of collapse. France is engaged in a struggle 
to preserve a place amongst the nations. England staggering under 
a burden of debt and harassed by the unemployment of its people. 
Italy in a local ferment and China disrupted with civil war. Japan 
has been devastated by an earthquake. 


What a contrast the United States presents when compared with 
the devastation that has overtaken all the rest of the world. How 
trivial are the evils which beset us in comparison with other countries. 
Our continent has vast resources and Alaska has apparently only now 
“been discovered or, at all events, its vast possibilities and its hidden 
wealth has only now been made known to us. It goes without saying 
that we have an intelligent and industrious populat'on, We are pro- 
tected by thousands of miles of ocean from the rivalry of other 
nations and we have no age-old heritage of hate. The Spanish 
American War and the World War have served to bring what was 
once discordant sections into the bonds of brotherhood. There is 
not a man, woman or child in all this vast domain who should not 
be thankful for the blessings which we enjoy and for the prospects 
that they will continue. In a country so circumstanced the Chris- 
tian people should take their rightful place as a leader and all our 
denomination should join in all that has to do with bringing about a 
spirit of brotherhood that we may realize that we are one people 
and that God is the father of us all. 

The recent Disarmament Conference that was held at Washing- 
ton was one of the high points in the history of our country, The 
name of President Harding, who called the international conference, 
will be immortalized in the history of our country by this one act 
as was the name of President Monroe under whose administration 
the Monroe Doctrine first took definite form. 


“My friends, for all the blessings which have been strewn upon 
the pathway of our people we as an organized church should be 
thankful to the Giver of all good.” 





STATED CLERK OF THE SYNOD 





Fauhfully Yours, 








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rontier. 


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S erp ie AAs 
. OR: why wr 
“Ni, Padlig’ 


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Wie, 


Heyes 
She cs 


BEGINNING OF THE ORGANIZED LIFE 
and the 
DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYNOD OF NEBRASKA 
of the 
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 


in the 


United States of America. 


By 


REV. JULIUS’ F. "SCHWARZ, D. D., 
Stated Clerk of The Synod. 


CONTENTS AND INDEX. 
CHAPTER II. 


The Beginning of the Organized Life and the Development 
of the Synod of Nebragka of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. 


Bap aah Shed 


Naming GNebras hayes teats soce cee terrae terre eer eee 29 
The First Christian Work done in Nebraska among 

th Game] niet s ects ee i Se ee ee 30 
ikatdbiewe WIG Gonen Teunitlalinniee eee tee ek cee ete een 31 
Reeve Walters El arrrigl (0 tipeesete sess tree cee ee eee eee ee ee 33 
DreeSusanieleailes chews eC tl cme: ee eee ee 83 
WAVE Mtaauilk Wavehieio: “Jekeryerhell ete ish ree tne eee 35 
First Foundations of the English Speaking Presbyte- 

tian < Char clay yee eee eee ee 36 
Overture to General Assembly asking for A Synod ...... 43 
Reve Nahunt= Gould essere ce ee 45 
Revs ohneise Barr d aD Se 1D eee ere ee ee ee 45 
istoteMod eravorsmandastatedmn Gl etc cue= === seeneenenenen 45 
Other-: Presbyfemes  Oreanized jese eek ee ee ee 47 
Reve (Dhiomas eles 156s £ Olt 2) 812) seen neonate ae ene ee mee 45 
Enrollment of the Members of Synod by Presbyteries 90 
List ofeDisbandedm Glut Chics messes seer ce een ene 102 
Rev.cand Mrs. Henry My Giltnerge  etete oe rere 37 
Synodical “Missionaries A ppainted sacs ure eee 49 
Pastor Evangelists and District Missionaries ................ 50 
Rev, Robert (LW heeler asi Migs .Onanye es em ee 40 
Sundays schiooleeViissiO nae sameeren eee 57 


Mission Work Among the German Speaking People 60 
Mission Work Among the Bohemian Speaking People 64 


Bidirca tional @linten es tsi = eect eeees eet see meeeie eee nears 66 
Bellevue-CollegesOreanizedy 3 2 ee eee 66 
Hastings» College. Orea tized se. sgeveeh 2 ee 68 
Amended Certificate of Incorporation of Hastings Col- 

lege (cA R Eee cre sesh ee ee 79 
Omaha Theological Seminary: 25 eee £2 
University:> Work and) Pastor. 2 ee ee 88 
Pastors, Officers and Members A Factor)... 9 
Women’s “Synodical? Society: 2 .n0t-saeeesce eee 100 
Summary sand «Concluding Statements ect nee 108 
Officersvof, the Present Day-Syn0di..+.2:. see 112 
Standing and Permanent Committtees of Synod ............ 112 
Portraitssor The? Clerks# 2 113 
Incorporation and Standing Rules of the Synod ............ 114 
GoldenAnnitversary Veterats 2:..:2...0 eo ee 120 
List rof-Ministers .Deceaseds. 1-1. 4 ee eee 125 


GHAP TERS: 


GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY. 


We are looking today across a half century into a period of pecu- 
liar interest to the churches and members of the Synod of Nebraska. 
If we were to choos a teext we should turn to the words 


“And when they were come, and had gathered the church togeth- 
er, they rehearsed all that God had done with them. .. And there 
they abode for a long time with the disciples.” 


Naming Nebraska 


The first white settlement of any importance was Fort Atkinson, 
established in 1819, abandoned in 1827. It was located upon the 
Council Bluff, adjoining the present town of Fort Calhoun, sixteen 
miles north of Omaha. It was the furthest west post of the United 
States Army, headquarters of the Sixth Infantry and Rifle Regiments, 
with a population, military and civil, of over one thousand people. 
It was the focus of the fur-trading for a vast region. The records 
of this fort in the State Historical Society library show that there 
was the first school, first library, the first farm experiment station, 
the first rainfall record, the first saw mill and the first white child 
born in the Nebraska region. 

The new Nebraska Territory was five times as large as the pres- 
ent state of Nebraska. It stretched all the way from Kansas to Can- 
ada and from the top of the Rocky Mountains eastward to Iowa and 
Minnesota. It was the home of the Buffalo, the pra‘rie dog and wild 
Indians. The Indian tribes found in Nebraska by the first white ex- 
plorers include these: The Otoe, Omaha and Ponca tribes, each 
numbering 2,000 to 3,000 people and dwelling on both sides of the 
Missouri river, the Otoe in the southeast, the Omaha in the middle 
and the Ponca near the mouth of the Niobrara river. These tribes 
were related in blood, language and customes to each other and also 
to the great Sioux tribes which lived farther north and west. 

The Pawnee nation occupied the central part of Nebraska from 
the Loup river south to the Republican and numbered about ten 
thousand people. Their language, customs and traditions were very 
different from those of any other Nebraska tribe. 

West of the Pawnee nation the Indian tribes included the Brule 
and Oglala Sioux, the Kiowa, the Cheyenne and Arapahoe, and 
sometimes the Comanche. These tribes spoke different languages. 
They were hunting tribes and generally at war with the Pawnee and 
other tribes in eastern Nebraska. Altogether about 40,000 Indians 
made Nebraska their home or hunting grounds. 


30 DH betist CRW) Peers 


Nebraska received its name from the Otoe Indian word for the 
Platte river, Ne-brath-ka, meaning Flat Water. The first suggestion 
of this name was made by Lieutenant John C, Fremont in his report 
of explorations in this .region in 1842-44. According to Mr. Addison 
E. Sheldon, Secretary of the State Historical Society, the secretary 
of war, Willam Wilkins, adopted this suggestion in his report of 
November 30,1844, saying, “The Platte or Nebraska being a central 
stream would very properly furnish a name to the territory.” 


Bellevue, twenty four miles below Fort Atkinson, became a fur- 
trading post and United States Indian Agency about 1823, It is the 
oldest existing town in Nebraska. 

The first officers appointed by President Pierce under the pro- 
visions of the organic bill were: Francis Burt, of South Carolina, 
Governor; Thomas B. Cuming, of Iowa, Secretary; Fenner Ferguson, 
of Michigan, Chief Justice; James Bradley, of Indiana, and Edward 
R. Hardin, of Georgia, Associate Justices; Mark W. Izard of Arkan- 
sas, Marshal; and Experience Estabrook, of Wisconsin, Attorney. 

The First Christian Work Done in Nebraska. 

The exploration of the region drained by the Missouri, in 1804, 
paved the way to more commercial undertakings, In 1805, Manuel 
Lisa, a wealthy Spaniard, with a party in search of trading grounds, 
reached the jlands north of the Platte. The beauty of the scene 
caused him to exclaim “Bellevue,” by which name the spot has been 
since designated. 

In 1842, Col. A. Sarpy became agent of the American Fur Com- 
pany at Bellevue, and, for thirty years, was the leading spirit of the 
region. To this place the Indians for hundreds of miles around 
brought their furs and exchanged them tor such luxuries as the white 
man had acquainted them with. 

One year previous to Col. Sarpy’s arrival, the United States 
Government transferred the Agency, formerly at Fort Calhoun, or 
Old Council Bluffs, to Bellevue. It is at this place where Rev. John 
Dunbar began work among the Omaha Indians as far back as 1834. 
The Presbyterian Church established a Mission for the Indians. The 
work was in charge of Rev. Moses Merill, and later of Rev. |Ed- 
ward McKinney, Rev. John Quinby and Rey. William Hamilton. 

In the fall of 1846, the Presbyterian Board of Missions sent Rev. 
Edward McKinney to select a suitable place for the founding of a 
mission school in the vicinity of the Platte. After a careful examina- 
tion of the locality, he chose Bellevue, and erected a log house for 
his residence. In the spring of 1847, Mr. Walter Lowrie, Secretary 
of the Board, visited Bellevue and confirmed the selection, at the 
same time ordering the construction of necessary buildings on the 
plateau. These were finished in 1848, 

A school had been opened by Messrs. Dunbar and Ellis, on Coun- 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. Si 


cil Creek, up the Platte, before the formal opening of the Bellevue 
school; but Indian hostility to the effort had resulted in its abandon- 
ment. Thus it is that the Bellevue mission was the second school 
begun in the territory afterward called Nebraska, R. E. Reed was 
the first Superintendent, and the mission force consisted of Rev. 
Edward McKinney and family and Mr. R. E. Reed. 


dSNO UOTSSI IL 


10D) In 





‘OTSE popory ‘onasjjag 3e 


uediiawy 24} Jo Jsod Sulpesy plo oy} pure 





The present Omaha Reservation comprises 135,122 acres in Thurs- 
ton, Cumming and Burt counties, and there are at present 1,400 In- 
dians living on this reservation; 700 of whom own their own farms, 
either leasing or cultivating them, According to Government sta- 


32 BLES Thee © Bee ieee 


tistics from 80 percent to 85 percent of these Indians-are afflicted with 
some kind of disease; about 25 percent with tuberculosis. Our mis- 
sion center for this reservation is at Macy, nine miles out from 
Walthill. 

In 1845 the Omahas had neither school nor missionary; neither 
had the Pottawattomies, who were then situated across the river 
from them, any school at that time. But the Presbyterian Board of 
Missions was then erecting a large and commodious school-house 
for the Iowas and Sacs and Foxes. 





The accompanying engraving represents the mission building 
erected on the:-Omaha Indian Reservation in 1856 by Rev. William 
Hamilton, under the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. It 
was built shortly after the removal of the Indians to their new reser- 
vation, then in Blackbird County, and for the first three years was 
in charge of the Rev. Dr. Sturgis. He was succeeded by Rev. R. J. 
Burt, and he in turn in 1867 by Rev. William Hamilton. The building 
was three stories above the basement, 75 x 35 feet in dimens ons, and 
was-all- concrete except:the basement, which was of stone. In recent 
years the building became dilapidated and was wrecked. 

Rev,. William Hamilton, better known as Father Hamilton, gath- 
ered and organized a congregation of the Omaha tribe, known as 
the Blackbird Hill Presbyterian Church. He entered upon his life 
service of consecration to the welfare of the Indians. During the 
summer of 1837 he was accepted by the Presbyterian Board of For- 
eign Missions as their missionary and ordained in October of the 





REV. WILLIAM HAMILTON DR. SUSAN LA FLESCHE PICOTTE 
+ Septembet 17, 1891. + September 17, 1915. 





REV. ROBERT Mc ELWEE 
Present Missionary to the Omaha 


REV. GEORGE ARTHUR BIETH 
7 August 13, 1922. Indians. 


34 THE HISTORY OFTHE 


same year. He immediately started westward. Leav ng Pittsburg 
October 30, 1837 they arrived at the Iowa and Sac mission on Wolf 
river, December 29th, following. He remained here as a missionary 
for fifteen years, when he was transferred to the Omaha and Otoe 
miss‘on, at Bellevue, Nebraska, arriving there June 6, 1853. He con- 
tinued w'th quiet, patient, steadfast fidelity to the end of about fifty- 
four years. Father Hamiton undertook the task of translating the 
Gospel Hymns from the English to the language of the Omaha tribe. 
When completed he was advised by the Government officials not to 
use them. In another chapter of this book Rev. Hamilton’s labors 
and achievements will be given in detail. 

The first successor to the pioneer Missionary and Pastor was 
Rey. Jopley, who was succeeded in 1901 by Rev. William cee Grate 
Rev. Findley and Rev. Henry Stewart supplied the field for a brief 
time until in Apr] 1908 Rev. George Arthur Beith accepted the call 
to the Blackbird Hill Church and was installed as the pastor on June 
16, 1908. For nine years Rey. and Mrs. Be'th labored with the Indian 
people with devot’on, sacrifice and zeal. During his pastorate the 
church was enlarged and repaired to the extent of $2,500.00. During 
this time he also negotiated with the Government for a property to 
be used as a home for the missionary where Rev. and Mrs. Beith lived 
to May 2, 1917. Rev. J. J. Britell was the successor to the last-named 
pastor who was succeeded by Rev. Robert McElwee who is in charge 
of the work at the present time. The property values at the Mission 
station amount to about $8,000.00, The Elders of the Indian Church 
are Levi Levering, Hiram Walker, Dan Walker and Thos. McCauley, 
representing a membership of eighty communicants. 

Of the many who were led to Christ, through the preaching of 
the Gospel, we would single out a woman who developed a very 
super or personality. It is the late Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte, who 
occupies a very unique place in the grateful memory of the Church. 
Her father was Chief Joseph LaFlesche, or Iron Eye. Her mother’s 
name was Mary, the daughter of Ni-ko-mi of the Iowa tribe. Al- 
though the Chief had never had opportunity to learn to read and 
write, he was very anxious that his children should receive all edu- 
cational advantages it was possible for them to have. S o as they be- 
came old enough they were all sent to the mission school maintained 
on the Omaha reservation by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign 
Missions. Girlhood found the daughter of the Chief in the institution 
of learning, appyling herself diligently to mastering the education of 
the white man, The great passion of her life was the welfare of her 
people for which she gave herself unselfishly, passionately to the 
task of relieving, helping, and uplifting the Indians, She was ever 
trying to bring into visible evidence her vision in the interest of 
her people. The hospital at Walthill, Nebraska, is a monument to 
her unceasing labors; it is only one of her actualized dreams. 





PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 35 





Walthill Indian Hospital. 


Dr. Picotte had the d’stinction of being the only Indian person, 
man or woman, ever commissioned as a Medical Missionary by the 
Presbyterian Board of Home Missions. She held her leadership 
among the Omaha Ind‘ans as the most influential person, inspite of 
the prejudice and tradition that the Omahas had never been led by a 
woman. 

She was the physican for practical'y the whole Omaha tribe. 
She led a delegation of her tribesmen to Washington to treat w th 
the government authorities on the most important and most suc- 
cessful mission ever undertaken by the tribe. Because of the protest 
she signed and presented, the sale of liquor in the towns on the Oma- 
ha and Winnebago Indian Reservation is forever prohibited in the 
title conveyances. Hardly an Omaha Indian is living who has not 
been treated and helped by her. Seldom did she accept remuneration, 
but from her purse she gave willingly to her peeple to buy medicines 
or necessit es, and to bury their dead, w'thout thought of recoinpense 
or reward. To her such acts were a God-given duty that imposed 
not even an obligation of gratitude. 

For more than twenty years before her death, and while she was 
accomplishing her life work, she suffered constantly from the malady 
which finally brough death, September i7th, 1915. Her farewell mes- 
sage to her tribe breathe the earnestness of her life. To her pastor, 
Rev. George A .Beith she conveyed the following message on her 
deathbed, “I shall not see them again, tell them for me, that I want 


36 AM aM tae RAMEN Oe (ONS Iie a; 


them to go to church; tell them that I said this—that Dr. Picotte 
said it.” Her husband having preceded her in death she was. sur- 
vived by two sons, at the time of her demise, attending the Nebraska 
University, also one sister, the wife of W. T. Diddock, an Elder of 
the Walthill Presbyterian Church. 

In addition to the Mission work on the reservation the Govern- 
ment conducts a school for Indian young people at Genoa, For years 
we tried to maintain a church at that point, but finally it was dissolved 
and the interestg of our young Indians are looked after by Rev. J. 
M. Hinds, pastor of the Congregational Church at Genoa. 

First Foundations of the English Speaking Presbyterian Church. 

Before settlers could secure title to land the United States made 
treaties with the Indians for their land. The first treaties were made 
in 1854 with the Omaha and Otoe Indians by which about 5,000,000 
acres of land in eastern Nebraska were purchased, surveyed and op- 
ened to settlement. The first governor, appointed by President 
Franklin Pierce, was Francis Burt of South Carolina. He reached 
Bellevue October 7, 1854 and died there October 18. Thomas B. 
Cuming, the secretary of state, became the acting governor. The 
first conflict in the new territory was between Bellevue and Omaha 
for territorial capital. Omaha was then a little village in the woods 
with a ferry across the river to Council Bluffs, which was the large 
town of the region, Acting Governor Cuming favored Omaha. He 
called the first session of the territorial legislature to meet in Omaha 
January 16, 1855. 

In 1855 the Rev. Henry M. Giltner caught the vision of the prom- 
ising plains of Nebraska. With his bride he journeyed from Hanover 
Indiana, under a commission from the Presbyterian Board of Home 
Missions as a missionary to the Nebraska Territory. They travel- 
ed in their own conveyance. After a tedious journey and detentions 
by sickness the Rev. Giltner became somewhat disheartened as they 
were crossing the unbroken prairies of Iowa. He said to his young 
bride, “I believe I have not heard the Lord aright. He wants us to 
go some other place, and has intercepted us by these sicknesses. 
Shall we not go back?” 

The brave bride on her wedding tour, replied, “No, I propose 
that we go over and possess the land.” 

That was an inspiration, a challenge, a spark that ignited the 
zeal of the pioneer whose heart was full of passion for souls that 
were without salvation. They continued their journey toward the 
terminus of their adventure, They crossed the river at Nebraska 
City, then the principal settlement in the new territory, Rev, Gilt- 
ner entered at once upon his chosen work with great, earnestness, 
and soon gathered a group of people for the organization of a Pres- 
byterian church, and the means for the erection of a house of wor- 
ship. After nine years of faithful service he removed to Pawnee 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. eit 





Rev. Henry M. Giltner. Mrs. Henry M. Giltner. 


City in 1864. There he remained about twelve years, preaching in 
school houses and private homes until another edifice for the con- 
gregations could be erected. After twelve years pioneer work in 
and about Pawnee, he located at Aurora, where he spent the remain- 
der of his life, excepting three years spent in Logan County with his 
sons, caring for his invalid wife, who died there January 19, 1893. 
Rev. Giltner died at Aurora April 7, 1903. 

The foundation of the Presbyterian church having been laid, 
other missionaries and pastors joined hands in stretching forth the 
curtains of their habitations; to lengthen the cords and drive their 
* stakes with those who had previously said, “In the name of cur God 
we will set up our banners here.” The tide of immigrat’on began to 
turn in favor of the new territory. The prairies began to be convert- 
ed into a beautiful landscape of broad undulating fields of waving 
grain; of acres upon acres of corn; of field products, varied and many. 
Life was added to the scene by lowing herds, the bleating sheep. 
Life became hallowed. Gradually the sub-domiciles became cellars; 
and basements for more dign’fied quarters. Stately trees waved 
their welcome to the weary wanderer seeking shelter from the heat 
of the day. The little school houses, that have become the most val- 
ued possessions of the state, were here and there in ev dence with 
unfurled banners of the Stars and Stripes. Houses of worship be- 
gan to attract the Sp ritual minded immigrant. 

In the General Assembly minutes of 1862 the church of Neb- 
raska City is the only church in Nebraska Territory reported and 
was then in the Des Moines Presbytery. At a meeting of Glenwood, 
Iowa, the Presbytery of Missouri River was formed. There were 
thirteen churches. Two of them being in Nebraska: Nebraska City, 
Rev. Henry M. Giltner, ‘pastor, and the Nebraska City German 
- church, Rev. C. H. Heckman, pastor. 


33 THESIS PORVEO Re DE 





Rev. Joel Warner. 





Alanson T. Wood. 


The Rev. Joel Warner, son-in-law of Father William Hamilton, 
came to Nebraska Territory in August, 1865. He taught the Belle- 


vue school the following winter and the Co'umbus school the nxt 
year. He was appointed as Government teacher for the Omaha In- 
dians by President Ulysses Grant, serv'ng in this capacity for four 
years, when he was called to become County Sup?rintendent of the 
public schoo's of Burt County. He was enrolled as a member of 
the Synod in 1876. Rev. Warner has served the churches o: the 
Nebraska Synod the greater part of forty-eight years. At this writ- 
ing he is past eighty-five years of age, on the Honorable Retired 
Roll, living ‘n Hooper, Nebraska. After having lived together with 
his wife for fifty-five years, she passed to her reward, September 
twenty-eighth, 1923, 


The Rev. Alanson T. Wood came to Nebraska in the fall of 
1869, commiss‘oned by the Home Mission Board, and began preach- 
ing at Helena, Tecumseh and Elk Creek. At Helena a lot was do- 
nated for the proposed church edifice and one lot to be owned by 
Rev. ‘Wood. The church was erected, which became the center of 
a group of preaching po'nts. Preaching-appointments were made un- 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 39 


der large trees on the bank of the river, also in the homes of John 
Wilson, on Turkey Creek; Harrison Curtis, on Coon Creek; a school 
house at Rock Ford, of the Nemaha, and in one near David Living- 
ston. These points were from four to eight miles from Helena in 


all var’ous directions. The Helena church became the forerunner of 
the present Hopewell church, in Otoe County. He preached in the 
court house in Tecumseh and various school houses in Johnson 
County, thus extending Mission Field cver a territory of thirty miles 
in length. The Helena church, in later years, was sold to the Meth- 
odists, and moved some six miles southwest to the vicinity of Smart- 
ville. Rev. Wood moved to Falls City and was the first pastor of the 
Presbyterian church there. The first services were held in the 
Court House and later in the Episcopal church chapel. He also sup- 
plied Salem, and held services in a school house south of town, and 
northwest in what was known as the Hall neighborhood, which was 
near the present town of Verdon. Trying days came upon this 
earnest and untiring Missionary at Falls City. He had raised funds 
to build a church. A lot was purchased and the lumber was on 
the ground when his wife was taken ill while Rev. Wood was at- 
tending Presbytery at Beatrice, in 1873, the year of the Easter bliz- 
zard. She died before the absent husband could be not’fied of her ill- 
ness. This caused the family to be scattered and the faithful minister 
resigned his pastorate and went to Beloit, Kansas. His son, Elder D 
J. Wood, is today a member of the Session of the Fairbury Pres- 
byterian church. He is also the chairman of the Presbytery’s Com- 
m'ttee on Ministerial Relief and Sustentation. 

On April 30th, 1869, Presbytery met in Sioux City, Iowa, where 
Rev. Cleland Elliott and Rev. Sheldon Jackson held that famous 
prayer meeting on the bluff just outside of the city. The bluff was 
called “Prospect Hill,’ near the grave where Mr. Floyd, who was on 
the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Pacific and where since the 
fine monument has been erected—on Floyd River. From the named 
pont these pioneers could see Iowa, Nebraska and the Dakotas: 
and in vision Wyoming, Arizona and New Mexico. And there they 
pledged themselves as pioneer missionaries. The Rev. Sheldon Jack- 
son was instrumental in organizing a number of churches in Neb- 
raska, as wll be noted in another chapter of this book, 


Robert Lucius Wheeler, D. D., from New York, crossed the Mis- 
souri R’ver at Omaha, December 12th, 1870, joined a surveying party 
at Columbus, Neb., and lent a hand to the re-survey of section lines 
in Polk County. That winter he lived in an abandoned hunter’s dug- 
out on the banks of the Big Blue River just east of the Frank Hib- 
bler homestead. He helped to lay out the county seat of Polk Coun- 


40 DT ES ET SO RS @ Pay He 





Robert Lucius Wheeler, D. D. Mrs. Robert Lucius Wheeler. 


ty, Osceola, the only resident (temporary) was a b’g rooster prairie 
chicken sitting on a gopher knoll. Rev. Wheeler later taught school 
in Washington county. In 1876 he filled an appointment at Teka- 
mah for the Rev. John C. Sloan, then a Deacon, and Bible school 


Superintendent of Clarks Presbyterian Church on Bell Creek, (now 
Craig). He was brought by the Session of Tekamah church to O- 
maha, and given licensure by Presbytery of Omaha in First Church, 
17 Dodge Street, Rev. George B. Stewart, D. D., pastor, Sept. 1876, 
and directed by H. M. Committee to go to Ponca, with the counties 
of Dixon, Dakotah, and Cedar as a parish, to live at Ponca. Rev. 
Wheeler began work in Sept. 1876, as d'rected remaining until sent 
by Dr. John Ha‘l, Superintendent of Assembly’s committee on Home 
Missions in May, 1888 to South Omaha, to take care of a group of 
Presbyterians he had organized in May 1887 in a school house, while 
attending the meeting of Assembly. at Omaha, as delegate-repre- 
sentative for General Assembly’s committee on Temperance, for 
Isaac Hayes of Pittsburg, Pa. Dr. Wheeler is pastor-emer‘tus at 
the present time of the R. L. Wheeler Memorial Presbyterian Church, 
the out-growth of the church of 1887, and the third building erected 
by Dr. Wheeler in South Omaha. Rev. Elmer E. Emhoff accepted 
a call to this church from York, Nebraska, in March. 1924. 


, 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 41 


The Wonderful Years, “The years of God’s right hand,” as de- 
scribed by Dr. ‘Wheeler: from ’76 to 1888 on the north border line 
of the great Presbytery of Omaha, extending from South Sioux City 
on the east to Red Cloud’s Tepee, in the Black Hills on the West, 
at Pine Ridge Indian Agency. All through this border brother 
Wheeler did “the work of an evangelist,” on horse back, and later 
by “buck board.” Those were the days of “the covered wagon,” 
that blazed the way across Nebraska’s prairie for the Pioneer church, 
of which Wheeler and his wife were promoters. Dr. Wheeler, and 
his wife, are now 73 years of age, and great have been the changes 
in our Presbyterian felowship, rich and great as the Pres- 
byterians now are, there yet lingers a charm about the early trails 
of God’s elect who endured some privations, but joyed in the greater 
felicitations of that fealty and blood-brotherhood of the days of the 
pioneer cabin. Men who took joyfully “the spoiling of their goods,” 
by Indians, grasshoppers, hail-storms and prairie fires. They endur- 
ed the pangs of homesickness, that they might leave a “better in- 
heritance” to the sons of Joshua, as they press forward to God’s 
promised land of tomorrow. Our God has so ordained it—so shail 
TE bey 

The Nebraska Ministers and churches as given in the Minutes 
of 1870 are as follows: 

In the Presbytery of Omaha, 


ENTE O11 figs SULEELCE AIT aye aetnae se eect eget Schuyler, S.S. 
BEV RATS NT Malate VV CUOICL Sao ys x een eat ane ae ie ne ne tote Héelenay.s\S: 
joie Vies ReebiestsS Siupteress (225 = weer SR seer 22 Decatur. SiS: 
Ji@iain Jy) Gage (Ciaran, INGloie,) ee Cincinnati es.o: 
Reus rie bay CIN Gill ms 54), Meee se gee ace ee a Beatrice, S.S. 
leseaiaveiisy IMI: IDR ian sw \iel eee Syasyas a sastih-wtuee eens teens Omaha Second, SS. 


The Presbytery of Omaha also included three ministers and five 
churches in Iowa, to which Synod the Presbytery belonged. 

In 1871 Rev. James D. Kerr was at Nebraska City in charge of 
the church, which had 140 members, Rev. John T. Baird at Brown- 
ville with 91 members, Rev. Bnejamin F. McNeill at Beatrice with 
18 members, Rev. Daniel W. Camerin at Plattsmouth with 64 mem- 
bers, Rev. Jeremah B. Jong at Tekamah with 15 members, Rev. John 
Wallace at Silver Creek, Rev. Charles H. Heckman was at Salt Creek 
and Rey. Harlan Page Peck at Lincoln, where he organized the First 
Church. 

The first church organizations were connected with those in 
South-western Iowa, and in Presbyteries known as Council Bluffs, 
organized in 1856; Omaha Presbytery, organized in 1858; Missouri 
River Presbytery, organized in 1862; and the Omaha New School, 
organized in 1867. After the reunion of the Old and New School 
Assemblies in 1870 the Presbyteries of Missouri River, old school, 


42 RE Ee tS © RY eGo bbe 


and the Omaha new school, were united July 15, 1870, under the name 
of Missouri River. The territory covered by this Presbytery includ- 
ed the entire state of Nebraska, together with Wyoming, Montana, 
and Utah. At a meeting of the Synod of Iowa South, October 1872, 
the Presbytery was divided into three Presbyteries, Council Bluffs, 
Omaha, and Nebraska City. 

The Presbytery of Omaha included all the territory north of the 
Platte river: The Presbytery of Nebraska City included all the ter- 
ritory south of the Platte river. 

In 1873 the Presbytery of Kearney was constituted, including all 
the territory west of the east line of Nuckolls, Clay, Hamilton, Boone 
and Antelope Counties. 

The churches and ministers constituting the Presbytery of Neb- 
raska City in 1873 were, Churches: Nebraska City, Beatrice, Ebe- 
nezer, Plattsmouth, Summit, Salem, Brownsville, T.incoln, Tecum- 
seh, Helena, Simeon, Falls City, Seward, Ulysses, Pleasant Prairie, 
Fairmont, Alexandria, Fairbury, Peru, York, Pawnee City, Humboldt, 
Meridian, Marietta, Swan Creek, Wahoo, Highland, Luicville, Hope- 
well, Momence, and Glengary. Only seventeen of the thirty-one 
named churches are still existing. 





The Rev. Sheldon Jackson, D. D. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 43 


Ministers members in 1873: Nelson C. Robinson, William T. 
Bartle, Henry M. Giltner, James D. Kerr, John T. Baird, Albanus S, 
Powel, George B. Smith, France's M. Hickok, H. B. Cunningham, D. 
D., John B. Linslea, David B. Fleming, George J. Schultz and Fran- 
cis X. Miron. 

The churches and ministers constituting thte Presbytery of Oma- 
ha in 1873 were, Churches: Omaha First, Blackbird Hills, Florence, 
West Point, Wisner, Decatur, Lyons, Darly Branch, Ponca, Elk Val- 
ley, Columbus, Madison, Tekamah, Belle Creek, Schuyler, Bellevue, 
Papillion, Fremont and Omaha Central. 15 of the 19 are on the roll. 

Ministers: George D. Stewart, D. D., Simion Teck, William 
Hamilton, William McCandlish, Alpha Wright, George L. Little, 
John M. Peebles, ‘Walter H. Clark, Abner D. Chapman, Joseph M. 
Wilson, Alex S. Foster, Jeremiah B. Long and J. C. Sloan. 

The churches and ministers constituting the Presbytery of Kear- 
ney in 1873 were, Churches: Kearney Junction, Hastings, Aurora, 
Gibbon, North Platte, Plum Creek, Overton, Wood River, Grand Is- 
land, Verona, Lone Tree. 

Ministers: Nahum Gould, George W. Newell, James A. Griffes, 
George A. Hutchison, Warren Norton and Charles S. Marvin. 


Overture to General Assembly Asking for the Organ za- 
tion to be Known aS the Synod of Nebraska. 


Nebraska City, Nebraska, October first, 1874. 

In the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. 
S. A. which held its session in St. Louis, Missouri, May, 1874, “The 
Committee on the polity of the Church presented their report, which 
was adopted, and is as follows: Overtures Number 10, 11, 12 and 13 
from the Presbyteres of Omaha, Nebraska City, and Kearney, pray- 
ing to be constituted a Synod to be called the Synod of Nebraska.” 
The Committee recommended that their petition be granted, and 
that the time of the first meeting of the Synod be the first Thursday 
in October, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy-four (1874.) 
at seven o'clock P.M., in the First Presbyterian Church of Nebraska 
City. That the Rev. Nahum Gould preach the sermon, and preside 
at the organ‘zation of the Synod, until a Moderator be chosen; or, 
in case of his absence, or inability to act, the oldest minister present. 

In accordance with the above order, the Synod of Nebraska met 
in the First Presbyter’an Church of Nebraska City, Neb., October 
Ist. 1874, at 7 o’clock P. M., and was opened with a sermon by Rey. 
Nahum Gould, taking his text from Hosea 8: 12, “I have written to 
him the great things of my law but they were counted as strange 
things.” 

Synod was then constituted with prayer by the Moderator, Rey. 
Nahum Gou!'d.» The rolls was called and the fo'lowing..were present: 


44 THE SHISTORY! © Rte 


Presbytery of Kearney: Min‘sters, Nahum Gould, George W. 
Newell, James M. Griffes, George A. Hutchison, Warren Norton. 

Churches represented: Elder E. N. Lord, Kearney Junction; A. 
LoWigrton. Hastings: andtGer> Dicks Aurora: 

Presbytery of Nebraska City: Ministers, Nelson C. Robinson, 
William T. Bartle, Henry M. Giltner, James D. Kerr, John T. Baird, 
Albanus S. Powel, George B. Smith and Francis M. Hickok. 

Churches represented: Elders George M. Brinker, Nebraska 
City; J. A. Hill, Beatrice; Alevander Allen, Ebenezer; R. Moody of 
Perit: 

Presbytery of Omaha: Ministers, George D. Stewart, D. D. 

Churches represented, Elder J. R. Meredith, Omaha. 

Rev. John T. Baird, D. D., was elected Modeator, Rev. James A. 
Griffes, Temporary Clerk, and Elder C. P. Dick, Assistant Clerk. 

The Committee to nominate permanent officers nominated Rev. 
John T. Baird, D. D., as Stated Clerk and Treasurer. Dr. Baird was 
Stated Clerk of the Synod for thirty-three yeas. Having declined a 
re-election in 1908, the Rev. Thomas L. Sexton, D. D., of Nebraska 
City Presbytery, was unanimously elected as Stated Clerk and Treas- 
urer. In the meeting of 1908 Dr. Sexton placed in nomination the 
name of Rev. Julius F. Schwarz, D. D., who was elected as Stated 
Clerk and Treasurer of the Synod for a term of three years. The 
fourth term of the present Clerk and Treasurer expires at this time, 
completing twelve years, having just been reelected for another term 
of three years. 


MODERATORS. 
Year Name Place of Meeting 
IWC SACKS IN EVokbnents (ECronelleh (Cropaevosr ea Nebraska City 
isa *Reve<| olimes ee ait ee ee eee Nebraska City 
1 Somme eve George DS tewart Dae) eer First Church, Lincoln 
1876 Rev; "Georses WANe well ca Sea. First Church, Omaha 
Lich Saal eaies Ate wanes) IDE Wccitics IDE. ID ees ee ee Fairmont 
1Si8 Ret | Awe us tus AB OO wit ee, ee eee ren eee Hastings 
1379 Reveal enya ies Galt eins |) gel) yee First Church, Omaha 
ASSO Reva Ath errie Hemel arial ll 1p bia ye eee ne eee eee eee Brownville 
AUSSI set R eves oshila etal eps pecan ee eee ee cee oe eee Grand Island 
18S82m Reve. Georses lbs Crisctiian. 1) sr ])) aeeeeenenee First Church, Omaha 
18S83eetRev.s)ohteebl Emin es) ee 4 eee ee ee eee York 
1884 =*Rey, Edward Sle Dodderees ==) eee Hastings 
acfopay | ARen i Vachon aS lGvenjoplle ID) IDS pss ee Central City 
1886. *Rev, William: J; HarshasD Dee Second Church, Omaha 
ASS7= et Rey, le rederick s|Ohnsto meee eee First Church, Lincoln 


1888 °*Rey,-Lhomas ‘LaiSextone DD ee ee Madison 





REV. JOHN T, BAIRD, D: D: REVsTHOMAS LT. SEXTON, 1DY, 3B), 
First Moderator. Synodical Missionary From 1886 - 1907. 
Stated Clerk trom 1874 to 1907. Stated Clerk from 1908 to 1910. 





REV. NAHAM GOULD, 


Convener. 


46 CELE HS 150 i ao Emo bl 
1889. *Rev.. William Goin tard) =D se) ay eee perenne eee Hastings 
SHON wad ketone tinkeeifeni: NN AU US oleh ate: ey eee tar tase ek ee Kearney 
Il Ree WW ena IR Jeketavelerecyounl, ID. ID 3 Westminster, Omaha 
US 92a ee eiemelo ities Goel tye toleeeeese ees ee eerie First Church, Beatrice 
sie lca Nelkensay (hinges Sicoiny, IDL AD Sy. Neerni@keir 2 Grand Island 
Thos Bo Rev. Sid ward Erect ts, 0) POUR tna erect oe: geererne Grand Island 
1895 = AReva eNiewell lS elo wil eukemes 1 ee een ee eer Nebraska City 
PROG tev, «| OHNS Cah 5 Oa ia cee ed. eee te eee ee York 
1897 Rev: David'R: Kerra Pb D. D:D. (LUD First:Churehs Omana 
1898 BRev: homaseG. alate: Dr 1) sre tin ete ere Ae es Hastings 
1899 =* Reve Walliameaiie Porter 2h 7.5ecstcs ta ieee eee Wayne 
1900) *Rev.~ John *Gilin ore se Bees tee ee eee Central City 
190i-" ‘Reve Samuels Fk Sharples), Di 1) eek eee Pawnee City 
19027 Sekieve Horaceaian Vb Ocie IDs) aeemmee Knox Church, Omaha 
IMEXORE MaalRyonis WOlmesse” Wi dias (Bier Kekeie IDE ID), ee eh ite eee York 
IMT IVS  IRAi AG istopdate, VAN, INehig ID) ID ete A Grand Island 
1905: - "Rev ie Nan< Dykes Wiehte Dae) oe are eee ee Holdrege 
UNO 8 ARGS) Seaeybell: TR BSI IMIS Aye oe ne Second Church, Lincoln 
1907 Rev: Ssamuels datgh ts DG 1) pce ee ee ee eee eee EE ta 
19085 eRevrefameso tsa Clarke os 5 act sere ete rae ieee Wayne 
1909. * Rey «Janieleshas jenkins;» Pi Di De ie gee eeemeerneere Minden 
1910 Rev. George F. Williams, DPD Spee eee ee eee Beatrice 
1911. SRevy-*a olin sW web Tessie y20is 26. ecese tone eee North Platte 
1912 * Reva BatziligpeM = Wone-s 1) ae) weet eet eee Hastings . 
1913” (Rev, lohneMeGaldwell) Dye Dees North Church, Omaha 
19149) Revelhionasy Ga ©sb ote wD ae) ieee eee ee eee Madison 
aes die INhdetinrell WK Giembn TDS IDE ee ee Aurora 
1916 -;*# Rev. = Willian, Fe Coo perasee 0, vote ee ee ee Hastings 
191% Reve Frederick Gra Knauer). = Dee eee eee Omaha 
SEH ARC breve 1B) \oynbarery JOY IBY Abdi, IDS oy ecsstesi ete Lincoln 
1919 © Reve Solin’ 1s Rarer). oes eee ee ees Central City 
1990S * Reve Lhomlasw Kew biiite rie) ll lp eee, eee ee Fremont 
IG Pah “MWe teyehyarey Jee jeiniey DL ADE oA ee Omaha 
19292"" Reve Thomas: haB. Smitha DD ee ee ee York 
1923\.- ‘Rev. “Georet abe ewell\ sD] Dae ae eee Kearney 
STATED CLERKS. 
*Rev.: John Tit Baird seb) ee eae eee ee 1874-1907 
aU niga AMeKapaneic: AWs) Ss quero IDE AD) Oe aor ee 1908-1910 
Revie juliussR eS chiwarz el) > ree oe eer eee ee ee 1911- 


*Deceased. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURUH IN NEBRASKA. 47 
OTHER PRESBYTERIES ORGANIZED. 


The three Presbyteries with which the Synod began her organized 


of ‘“ 


life multiplied into six as “the Lord added to the Church daily such 


” 


as should be saved The Presbytery of Kearney was divided into 
two Presbyteries in the year 1881; that part lying north of the Platte 
river retaining the name; and the territory south of the Platte being 
called the Presbytery of Hastings. But the churches continued to 
grow, and the division did not long suffice the growing needs of the 
Presbyterian household of faith. The territory occup‘ed by the pres- 
byteries of Omaha and Kearney was too large for the convenience 
and comfort of its members. It was decided to re-adjust presbyteri- 
al lines and add still another name to the Synodical roll. This 
change was ordered at a meeting of Synod in 1884; and the next 
year the good mother entered upon the birth-roster of her children 
that “most euphon‘ous and beautiful of all her family names,’ Nio- 
biraras 


And still the lines were extended. In the year 1893 the Synod 
ordered the erection of another Presbytery in the northwestern 
part of the state, which was enrolled the following year by the name 
of Box Butte, with a constituency of six ministers and seventeen 
churches. 


The bounds of the six preslhyteries at the present time are as 
follows, (Minutes of Synod page 35, 1911.) 

The Presbytery of Box Butte shall cons’st of all the ministers 
and churches within the counties of Sioux, Scottsbluff, Banner, Kim- 
ball, Dawes, Box Butte, Morrill, Cheyenne, Sheridan, Garden and 
Deuel. 


The Presbytery of Hastings shall consist of all the ministers and 
churches within the counties of Perkins, Chase, Dundy, Lincoln, 
south of forty-one degrees latitude, Hayes, Hitchcock, Frontier Red- 
willow, Gosper, Furnas, Phelps, Harlan Kearney, Franklin, Adams, 
Webster, Hamilton, Clay, Nuckolls, and that portion of Dawson and 
Hall Counties, south of the Platte River. 


The Presbytery of Kearney shall consist of all the ministers and 
churches within the counties of Grant, McPherson, Keith, Hooker, 
Thomas, Logan, Lincoln, north of forty-one degrees meridian lati- 
tude, Blaine, Lup, Custer, all of Dawson and Hall counties north of 
the Platte River, Garfield, Valley, Sherman, Buffalo, Wheeler, Gree- 
ley, Howard, Boone, Nance and Merrici. 


The Presbytery of Nebraska City shall consist of all the minis- 
ters and churches within the counties of York, Seward, Lancaser, 
Cass, Filmore, Saline, Thayer, Jefferson, Gage, Otoe, Johnson, Paw- 
nee, Nenaha and Richardson. 


*eyseiqaN jo pouds jo deyy 








MO7UMOZY 





MIOINILIN 




















omwsINe 





























QUIDIY = ALMAGS AKT 














L 


| QI OTFINY 












































PRES BY LERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA? 49 


The Presbytery of Niobrara shall consist of all the ministers and 
churches within the counties of Cherry, Keyapaha, Bown, Rock, 
Boyd, Holt, Knox, Antelope, Cedar, Perce, Madison, Wayne, Stan- 
ton, Dixon, Dakota and that portion of Thurston west of the Chicago, 
St. Paul, Minn. and Omaha Railroad track. 

The Presbytery of Omha shall consist of all the ministers and 
churches within the counties of Platte, Polk, Colfax, Butler, Cuming, 
Dodge, Saunders, all of Thurston east of the Chicago, St. Paul, and 
Omaha Railroad track, Burt, Washington, Douglas and Sarpy. 


SYNODICAL MISSIONARIES APPOINTED. 


In 1872 the Rev. Nelson C. Robinson was appointed by the 
Board of Home Missions, under the title of synodical missionary, to 
superintend the mission work of the state, including the gathering 
and organizing of churches, and securing pastors and missionaries 
for the ever-increasing demands of the fields. He continued in this 
office, doing faithful and efficient work till his lamented death in 1876. 





Rev. James D. Kerr. 

The growth of existing churches and the organization of new 
ones was seriously impeded by drouth and the ravages of grass- 
hoppers from 1874-1876. When his successor, the Rev, James D. 
Kerr, came into office, July 1st, 1876, he found but little opportuni- 
ty to do more than care as best he could for the churches that were 


50 DRE ITS TORY. 0) Hiei ie 


having a hard struggle to maintain life. The condition of the people 
in worldly estate was not flattering, for most of them were only be- 
ginning to lay foundations for future homes. This crisis caused the 
tide of immigration, which had increased rapidly for a few years, to 
check. 

In 1878 the tide began to turn in our favor; so that when in 
that year the Rev. George L. Tittle began his work as synodical 
missionary he found the people pouring into Nebraska by tens of 
thousands; and a field of activity and usefulness opening before him 
sufficient to stimulate to the utmost exertion in the effort to supply 
the immigrants with the means of grace and the constituted church. 
This was the period of most rapid growth in the number of churches 
organized, being nearly one hundred during the five years of service. 

Rev. George T. Crissman succeeded to the office of synodical 
missionary in 1883, and served the synod three years in this capacity, 
during which time the names of forty-two new churches were added 
to the roll of the presbyteries. 

Rev. Thomas L, Sexton, D. D., was elected synodical missionary 
in 1886 and cointinued in the faithful discharge of his duties until 
October 1907, when the Rev. William H. Kearns, D. D., was elected 
as Superintendent of Home Missions and Synodical Evangelism. 
The total number of churches organized during the years of Dr. Sex- 
ton’s appointments as Superintendent is 148. In one year only, 1895, 
were there no addit:ons to the roll of thee churches; and this was due 
wholly to the fact that the Board of Home Missions was compelled, 
by its lack of finances, which would not permit any enlargement of 
the work. A very fitting miuute and resolutions of commendation 
are found in the printed minutes of Synod, page 68 and 69, 1907. 

A move towards self-support was made in the meeting of Synod 
held at St. Paul, Neb., October 1907. Steady advances were made a- 
long this line in a five-year Forward Move. In 1912 the Committee 
on Home Missions reported that $1,080.00 more had been received 
than used for the work in the Synod. In 1913 the same Committee 
reported that the Synod had sent $14,012.00 to the Home Mission 
Board and drew for the work in the Synod $11,861.00, leaving a bal- 
ance in favor of the Synod $2,151.00, 


PASTOR-EVANGELISTS OR DISTRICT MISSIONARIES. 


The Rev. Robert N. Adams, D. D., who in 1907 became Field 
Secretary under the Board of Home Missions for the District of the 
Northwest, originated the plan of pastor-evangelists which was used 
throughout the Synod, some times called pastors-at-large. Their spe- 
cial work is to care for the smaller and feebler vacant churches in 
each Presbytery; visiting them, preaching and administering the 
Sacraments, and doing all in their power to make up for the lack of 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. AE 


regular pastoral services. The records show that in 1892-1893 the 
Synodical Superintendent reports the first help. He states in his 
report to Synod, “For the first time in our history your synodical 
missionary has had some efficient help in prosecuting general mis- 
sion work in this state. During the entire year the Rev. Julian Hatch 
has been employed as pastor at large in Kearney Presbytery, and 
since the first of January 1893 the Rev. Lester S. Boyce in the same 
position within the bounds of Hastings Presbytery.” 

Rey. John C. Sloan was employed as pastor at large within the 
bounds of Box Butte Presbytery in 1895. In 1911 the names of five 
Presbyterial pastors appear, they. are: 

Rey. D. W. Montgomery for the Presbytery of Box Butte, 

Rev. Wm. H. Cooper for the Presbytery of Hastings, 

Rev. N. C. Johnson for the Presbytery of Kearney, 

Rev. Samuel Light, D. D., for the Presbytery of Niobrara, 

Rev. Robert M. L. Braden, D. D., Presbytery of Omaha. 

In 1912 the Synod was divided in Districts. 

Rev. Julius F. Schwartz, succeeded Dr. Braden, deceased, in 
charge of the eastern part of the state embracing the Presbytery of 
Omaha, Nebraska City and Niobrara. In 1916 Dr. Kearns accepted 
the vacancy caused by the resignation of Rev. Schwarz, December 10, 
1923, the late Rev. Wm. H. Kearnc, D.D., was appointed Executive 
Secretary and Superintendent of National Missions. 

The Rev. William Harris Kearns, D.D., District Field Secretary 
of The Board of National Missions and Superintendent of National 
Missions of the Synod of Nebraska, died suddenly on Tuesday even- 
ing, June tenth, 1924. Dr. Kearns was on his way to the railroad 
station when the car began to skid. He stepped out of the car and 
while walking to a nearby residence, realizing his serious heart con- 
dition, he collapsed and died. This occurred near his home. He had 
been booked for an address at a Bible Conference in Scotts-Bluff 
om Wednesday evening. Instead of hearing the address Dr. Robert 
W. Taylor conducted a Memorial Service and paid tribute to him 
whom God had translated to higher realms. 

Rev. William Harris Kearns was born December 14, 1865, in 
Juanita County, Penn. He graduated from Parsons College in 1888, 
and from theMcCormick Seminary in 1891. He was licensed by the 
Presbytery of Iowa in 1890 and ordained in 1891 by the Presbytery 
of Iowa City. He received the degrees of B. A:, M. A., and Doctor 
of Divinity. His first charge was at Davenport, Iowa, Mt. Ida, from 
1891 to 1894; Cherokee, Iowa, 1894-1897: Jerseyville, Illinois, 1897- 
1900; Beatrice, Nebraska, 1900-1908. The Synod of Nebraska dis- 
covered in Dr. Kearns marked executive ability and chose him as a 
successor to the late Dr. Thomas L. Sexton, to the office of Super- 
intendent of Home Missions and Evangelism from 1908 to 1914, at 





Rev. Robert M. L. Braden, D. D. 
Rev. Nelse C. Johnson Pastor Evangelist, 


District Missionary + November 6, 1912. 
+ February 9, 1918. 





Rev. William H. Cooper, W. W. Scott 


Pastor Evangelist, S. S. Missionary 
+ August 26, 1923. + June 1916. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 53 


which time the Home Mission Board commissioned him as _ their 
Field Secretary from 1911-1916. In 1916 he succeeded Rev. Dr. 
Schwarz as Executive Secretary of Home Missions and Evangelism 
of the Synod of Nebraska. In connection with the said office he re- 
ceived the appointment of Secretary of the Transportation Bureau 
in 1916. In 1920 a third appointment was arrayed to the two already 
named. He was chosen by the New Era Committee as District 
Secretary. 

Rev. Benamin A. Fye succeeded Rev. Montgomery in the Box 
Butte district in 1918. Rev. Robert W. Taylor, D. D., filled the va- 
cancy, caused by the withdrawal of Rev. Fye. Dr. Taylor was ap- 
pointed as Western Fiecid Secretary December 10, 1923. 

Rev. Elis M. Steen accepted the appointment of the Central Dis- 
trict, in 1918. Rev. Steen accepted a call to Auburn, Neb. February 
1, 1924. 





Rev. B. M. Long, D. D. 


54 ARs Bie BESMY OF eGR oa 8 5 WE 


Rev. John W. Press!y was appointed Assistant to Dr. W. H. 
Kearns in 1918, in charge of the Eastern District. Rev. Pressly was 
appointed as Eastern Field Secretary, December 10, 1923. 

In 1913 the Rev. B. M. Long, D. D., was chosen as Superinten- 
dent of Evangelism, serving in this capacity until 1922. 

Rev. Charles F. Robel was appointed April 28, 1924, as one of 
the Field Workers of the Synod. 


J 
% 
a 





Rev. William H. Kearns, D. D. 


Synodical Superintendent of National 
Missions. 


+ June 10, 1924. 








Rev. John W. Pressly 
Eastern Field Secretary. 





Rev. Charles F. Robel Rev. Robert W. Taylor, D. D. 
Assisiant Field Worker. Western Field Secretary. 


56 TE Weni SOR Y.O Hebi 





REV. JAMES B. CURRENS, D. D: H. R. 
Synodical Superintendent of S. S. 





A Homestead Cottage, School and Chapel. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 57 
SUNDAY SCHOOL MISSIONARIES. 


Another group of laborers employed by the Presbyterian Church 
in the development of her life is that of Sunday school missionaries 
who gave their entire time to the work of establishing and maintain- 
ing Sunday schools in communities which are for the most part with- 


out churches and destitute of all religious privileges. In many cases 
these little schools offer the only opportunities for religious instruc- 


tion in the communit’es where they are established; and they be- 
come centers of moral and spiritual blessing, the value of which 
cannot be too highly estimated. And one evidence of this is seen in 
the fact that many of our churches today have been organized as the 
direct fruits of these Mission schools. The leader in this interesting 
and hopeful field of Christian effort is the Rev. James B. Currens, 
D. D., who for many years has been the superintendent of the work, 
and whose name deserves honorable mention in this connection, 
With a zeal that has never waned, and a patience that has never 
flagged, he has traveled all over the state through summer’s heat and 
winter’s cold, directing the work of many students, lay workers and 
others under his care, and himself seeking out destitute regions, 
planting schools and encouraging local officers and teachers in their 
humble efforts to instruct the children and youth in the knowledge of 
the word of God. 


The Pioneer Sabbath School Missionary was commissioned 
February 1889, coming from Chicago and locating at Crawford, Neb- 
raska, as his headquarters, Two years later Rev. Currens encountered 
great hardships. From 1891 to 1893 an unceasing drought prevailed. 
This drought was followed by hard winters. It was during this time 
the Missionaries appealed for help. Carloads of food and clothing 
were shipped to the scenes of poverty. The Sabbath School Mis- 
sionaries spent their time distributing food and clothing, 


After three years drought, a deep snow had covered the State. 
Rev. Currens arranged with the miller at Crawford to supply the 
homesteaders with seed. It was the yield of these crops that helped 
to build three Presbyterian churches. Ten churches were built along 
the Burlington and Minn. R. R. from Alliance to Newcastle. One 
was a log church, built from logs which the Superintendent of Mis- 
sions helped to cut down and drove the oxen that hauled the logs 
to the nearest railroad station, not yet located at the time. The land 
had not yet been surveyed and no school districts organized. 

Rev. James A. Worden, D. D., of the Sabbath School Board, 
sent six theological students each summer. Rev. Currens assigned 
them to districts and then furnished each student a pony and two- 
wheeled cart. The Board supplied them with Bibles and lesson helps. 


58 DEE RIST ORY: Ober Hit 


Eight laymen, who worked under the direction of the Sabbath 
School Missionary, later became ordained ministers of the Gospel. 
A report for one year’s work shows that the men on the field organ- 
ized forty-three new schools and reorganized forty Sabbath Schools 
and visited ninety-five other Sabbath Schools under their care. Rev. 
James B. Currens, D. D., always had the happy disposition to aid 
students in pursuing their college course and in passing financial 
aid to them until they had finished their Seminary course. Even 
though placed in the Honorably Retired Roll, Father Currens is 
helping the Betheny Church in doing a remarkable Mission work in 
the city of Omaha. 

Rev. Charles E. Rice, pastor of Union Star church lived on a 
homestead as seen in the accompanying picture. He too, was for 
many years a Sabbath School Missionary and finally attended the 
Omaha Theological Seminary. He then returned to the field and 
built a parsonage near the Union Star church. His wife and her 
mother taught a private school in the church about three years, From 
this school at least twelve young people became public school teach- 
ers. The public school was held in the log school-house shown on 
the picture, which lasted only seven months. The ladies then con- 
tinued a private school and fitted the young people for teaching. 

This section of the chapter would be quite incomplete if we omit- 
ted the story of a missionary in the sand hills of Nebraska. Nota 
minister or a college man, but a lawyer. A humble man who did a 
marvelous work in a needy field. We take pleasure in relating the 
interesting story as it comes from the pen of Rev. Currens. 

Mr. W. W. Scott, the subject of our sketch, was born on a farm 
near Cadiz, Harrison County, Ohio, September 24, 1856. His father 
came from Belfast, Ireland, at the age of 19. His mother was born 
in Cadiz. There were ten children in the family. They were mem- 
bers of the Notingham Presbyterian Church, strict observers of 
the Sabbath, conscientious attendants at Church and careful instruc- 
tors of their children in the catechism. His father died and his widow 
moved to Knox County, Illinois, in 1870. They moved to Seward 
County, Nebraska, in 1879, and settled near what is now Tamora. 
They united with the Presbyterian church of Seward under the 
care of Rev. E. Benson. The eldest son, Thomas, studied for the 
ministry and was for several years a successful pastor and died at 
Champaign, Illinois. Another son studied with the ministry in view, 
but failed in health and had to go on a farm near Tamora where he 
died, leaving a wife and one son. This son has recently graduated 
from Park College, Missouri. 

When Willie, the subject of this story, was nine years old, he 
had a spell of spinal-meningitis which left him blind, almost speech- 
less and: for~fifteen-years-he-was-in-darkness, a weak, dependent in- 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 59 


valid. This was at the period when he should have received his edu- 
cation, but his sickness deprived him of this privilege and he was nev- 
er in school a day. Though not in schcol he was in a devout Chris- 
tian home. The Family Altar, the Catechism, the careful Sabbath 
observance, the regular conscientious church attendance in all kinds 
of weather at Seward, seven miles from home, the religious conver- 
sations, private devotions and careful living in such a home with 
the special affection of a fond mother for her invalid child all in- 
dicate that he did not grow up without instruciton. Though not 
of the secular school, he had instruction of the best kind,—the school- 
ing for a Christian Home. Sheltertd from outside worldly influences, 
which so often counteract home instruction, pervert the life, and de- 
feat the parents in their efforts to raise their children for God he 
grew up childlike in disposition, fixed jn religious principles, and 
strong in faith. 

Mr. Scott became a Christian at a very early age, but made a 
public profession when about sixteen and united with the Presbyter- 
ian church of Onda, Illinois. 

During his fifteen years of darkness he spent much meney in 
visiting the best specialists in Cleveland, Chicago, Omaha, Lincoln, 
and Denver for his spine and eyes. He spent two summers in Color- 
ado at Denver, Colorado Springs and Manitou and some time in New 
Mexico and Minnesota in search of health. His spinal trouble re- 
covered so that he was comparatively free from pain and his eye- 
sight was restored in one eye, so he could read a little and see to 
walk and drive. 


In June, 1881, he assisted in the organizat‘on of his first Sunday 
school and began his active Christian work. Being deeply impressed 
that God had given him back his eye-sight and comparative free- 
dom from spinal trouble in answer to his special prayer, he was anx- 
ious to do something in his humble way to advance God’s Kingdom 
and help his fellowmen. The great Christian Endeavor movement 
was then new and just starting, and Mr. Scott rode all over Seward 
county urging it upon ministers and young people and was the prin- 
cipal mover in the organization of many societies in that county. 


He bought and distributed everywhere a large number of Bibles 
and Testaments and gave away to special workers many teachers’ 
Bibles. He subscribed for a large number of religious papers for 
young people and families where he wanted to help them and make 
them helpers of the Lord’s work. 

He had done this work so successfully and so unselfishly that 
his friends secured him an appontment as Sunday school missionary 
for Kearney Presbytery under our Presbyterian Board of Sunday 
School Work, and as Superintendent of that work in the state. I 
suggested that he come to North Platte as a convenient center to 


60 THR EHS? ORY 2@ Berit 


reach a large and needy field occupied by no other missionary. 

He came and was for sixteen years in the employ of our Sunday 
school Board, the same faithful, unselfish and untir‘ng worker that 
he had been in Seward County, not sparing himself or his money, 
riding all over these wild sand hills, winter and summer, hunting up 
the poor and needy, minister'ng as he could to their physical and 
spiritual wants. He has distributed more clothing and food among 
troubled, talked personal religion to more individuals, addressed more 
the poor, prayed in more homes, visited and comforted more sick and 
public schools, given away more Bibles and Testaments, organized 
more Sunday Schools, gathered into them more neglected children, 
set more idle Christians to work teaching the Bible and put a place 
of public worship in reach of more negiected people than any otner 
man I know of in Nebraska or any other state. 


Mr. Scott died at Tamora, Nebraska, June 1916. 


The Rev. Nels C. Johnson belonged to the self-sacrificing men 
on the mission field. He was ordained to the Gospel ministry by the 
Presbytery of Kearney on the tenth day of April, 1902, in which Pres- 
bytery he served the Church up to the time of h’s death, which oc- 
curred in Kearney, February ninth, 1918. As a field missionary of 
the Synod he was peculiarly adapted to his commission, and organized 
many schools and churches. No man was at all times more welcome 
as a guest in the homes of the communities where he had been in- 
strumental in effecting organizations than was Rev. Johnson. 

The Sunday school is the strong arm of the church. Out from 
its effective organization and efficient Bible study and teaching 
must come, to a larger degree, our future church members. 

The Sabbath School Board introduced a new policy in 1910 by 
placing increased emphasis upon the educational features of the 
church, Educational superintendents were appointed in some of the 
synods whose important work it is to raise the standards and in- 
crease the efficiency of our schools. In April 1911 Rev. Ralph H. 
Houseman was employed as the Superintendent of the Educational 
work. His successor was Prof. Orlin H. Venner, Ph. D., who died 
June 22, 1920. 


MISSION WORK AMONG THE FOREIGNERS. 


Germans;— Among the names which will ever be recorded in the 
history of the Synod and held in affection by the German immigrants 
and pioneers, settlers and farmers, are the names of ministers who 
did not hesitate to choose their lot among those who were without 
spiritual consolation, support and guidance. 

As early as 1850 Rev. Conrad H. Heckman was sent by the Pres- 
byterian Synod of Missouri to Nebraska to gather the German speak- 
ing people and organize them into congregations. Upon leaving 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 61 


Missouri he gave up his home at St. Joseph, with all its comforts and 
conveniences, and went forth, he knew not whither. Beginning at 
Mud Creek near Nebraska City he visited the German communities 
and effected quite a number of organizations. In 1862 the names of 
the following churches appear: Nebraska City German, Nemaha 
River German, Weeping Water. In 1863 three additional organiz- 
ations are enrolled, Plattsmouth German, Dakota City and Lewisville. 
Since men could not be found to shepherd the flocks these organiza- 
tions began to scatter. Graduates from the German Presbyterian 
Theological Seminary of Dubuque, Iowa, a school which had been 
called into existence by Rev. Adrian Van Vliet in 1852 were ready 
to enter the field of opportunity and meet the crying need felt in the 
dearth of the German ministry. 





Rev. John Berk. 


The Rev. John Berk, who had served the church at Rockville, 
Wisconsin, from 1866 until he was prevailed upon to visit Saltillo 
Township in 1877, was instrumental in effecting the organization in 


62 THESIS LORS © ROLE 


the named prec'nct. He accepted a call to the new congregation 
in 1879 where there were many of his former members, who had be- 
come the forerunners for a colony of pioneers, and preparing the 
way for homesteaders who arrived soon after from Illinois and 
Missouri. Rev. Berk was not only the real founder of Presbyterian- 
ism among the German-speaking people, but was recognized as one 


,’ 


of the oustanding and “strong” ministers, and authority on all ec- 
clesiastical and theological questions. He served as pastor of the 
Hickman. Presbyterian church up to the date of his demise which 


occurred September 23, 1898. 


Rev. Jacob Brinkema was another one of the untiring pioneer 
missionaries, who was instrumental in organizing several German 





Rev. Jacob Brinkema. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA, 63 
churches that are still standing out as monuments of a man who 
endured many hardships. The Hanover church, near Glenville, Neb. 
and the Rosemont churches owe their existence to Rev. Brinkema. 
A church had also been called into existence at Ayr, Gothenburg and 
Thayer but these have become starting points for other denomina- 
tions. 

The Rev. John A. Bardill accepted a call to become the pastor 
of a new German organization in Kearney, Nebraska in 1889 where 
he did successful: mission-work to May 16, 1890 when he took up the 
pastorate at the Buffalo Grove German church and continued for 


more than eight consecutive years. It was there where he passed to 
his reward, November 24, 1898. 





Rev. Adolph Krebs. 


The Rev. Adolph Krebs came to the rescue of the Campbell 
church, which had been organized in 1889. A drought had greatly 
discouraged the people of that community and the church was having 
a hard struggle to maintain life. The perseverance together with 


64 SHE HISTORY OFelHsE 


much self-sacrifice on the part of the earnest pastor tided them over 
into the years of favor and fortune. 

The German churches at Hastings and Meridian are also the 
outgrowth of these early efforts on the part of the missionaries above 
named. 

The Hanover, Hastings and Rosemont churches were, upon 
their own request, transferred to the Presbytery of George, lowa, 


belonging to the Synod of the West (German). 


Bohemians— The first marked influx of Bohemian immigration 
occurred in 1869, when a colony of homesteaders acquired land pos- 
sessions in Colfax County, Nebraska. Soon other colonies followed 
coming from Iowa and directly from Europe. The Bohemians have 
been attracted to Saunders, Butler, Douglas, Thurston and the first 
named County. Many of these early settlers brought their Bibles, 
songbooks and good sermon books with them. Having no minister 
they gathered in school houses and homes where devotional ser- 
vices were held. The sacraments were administered by neighboring 
ministers, preferably German, since most of them could speak or 
at least understand the language, having acquired its knowledge in 
the Austrian army. 


They were at sea in the matter of denominational affiliation and 
were at a loss to know where to find a Spiritual center. The first 
minister that visited them was Rev. Kun from Ely, Iowa, the pastor 
of an Independent congregation since 1859, The surviving members 
of the various churches were so deeply impressed by visits of this 
minister that they frequently relate the delightful gatherings pre- 
sided over by the fatherly Pastor. 


Later the Home Mission Board commissioned the Rev. Vincent 
Pisek, pastor of a church in New York City, to spend at least one 
summer in the West and visit all the places inhabited by Bohemian 
Protestants. At the same time the Congregational Board sent Rev. 
H. A. Shafler to pursue a like mission. It caused divisions in the 
communities, some were of Presbyterian persuasion, others otherwise. 


The first Bohemian minister living in Nebraska was Rev. Anton 
Paulu who lived in Omaha from there going occasionally to Wahoo 
to minister to a newly organized church there in 1890. Through the 
earnest efforts of Rev. William J. Harsha, D. D., pastor of the First 
church of Omaha, the Rev. John Pipal was called in 1891, who located 
in Omaha. From this center he visited the Bohemian colonies and 
succeeded in gathering a number of congregations, organizing them 
into Presbyterian churches. The following organizations were en- 
rolled, Bethlehem, Omaha in 1890; Zion in 1895; Weston in 1896; 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 65 


Wahoo in 1897; Humboldt in 1897; New Zion Bohemian, 1898; Mor- 
avian Behemian ,South,Omaha, 1902; Prague, 1907; John Huss Bo- 
hemian of Thurston, 1911. 

The Clarkson Zion church erected their first church in 1889, 
which has recently yielded its site to a new, modern equipped edifice 
at a cost of forty-five thousand dollars, Rev. Boden A. Fillipi has 


served this church since 1914. He has been in Nebraska since 1906 
coming from Uniontown, Pa., accepting a call to the Bohemian 
church of Omaha. 


Rev. Anton Svoboda and Rev. Frank Novak were earnest pio- 
neers among the Bohemians. 


In the records of the Presbytery of Omaha the following was 
adopted: “Moved that the Presbytery put in the minutes a record 
of the action of the General Assembly in setting off the Bohemian 
pastors and churches formally in our boundaries into the Bohemian 
Presbytery to be formed, and that we extend to our brethren our 
sympathy in their efforts and our hearty Godspeed in their work.” 


“We hereby call attention to the erection of the Presbytery of Cen- 
tral West Bohemian which removes from our bounds and jurisdiction 
the following ministers and churches, Rev. Anton Svoboda and Rey. 
Boden A. Fillipi; Churches: New Zion; South Omaha; Prague and 
Omaha Bohemian Brethren.” Dated, September 13, 1910. ; 





Clarkson Bohemian Church. (New) 


66 PRE ES ELS CO vO et be 


By an action of hte General Assembly the new Presbytery was 
transferred to the Synod of Iowa. 
The Bohemian churches at the present time located in Nebraska 


belonging to the named Presbytery are: 


Churches: Membership Pastors. 
MewneZ, On, Clarks tigate 1926 os Bohden A. Filipi 
ALOT ae Aes hens ae ee a 5 ee Joseph avlik 
Behemian Brethren, Omaha ........ Ooeee. Vaclav Cejnar 
Bohetiitati rac cae eee MO eanesase Fred B. Paroulek 
Hiolmway TEhviSsh= SBaybbeshioyay: Sel ee A Amer: 
Wahoos Bohemian <2....habeeen 103 cece Tredk. B. FParoulek 


Members in the State. 
Total members in the State....664 


EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS OF THE SYNOD OF 
NEBRASKA. 


The Presbyter'an Church has always and everywhere been the 
friend and advocate of thorough and orthodox Christian education, 
Recognizing the fact that learning without moral character is only 
a larger equipment for evil, and that good education ‘and true re- 
ligion must join hands to secure the best citizenship, this Synod has 
ever been diligent according to her ability to provide Christian 


schools. 


Early Attempts to Found a College 


Increasing population and wealth made the possibility of an 
institution of learning feasible. This idea had been in the minds of 
many leaders since the coming of the settlers to the new prairies. 
At a meeting of the Old School Presbytery at Plattsmouth on Oc- 
tober fourth, 1859, a committee of five was appointed to consider the 
establishment of a Presbyterial Academy, Proposals from various 
towns were received. In 1868 a Presbyterian school was founded 
at Nebraska City; but, being hard pressed for funds in the new land, 
it was soon abandoned. As early as 1874 menriorials came to the 
Synod of Nebraska from the Presbytery of Kearney with reference 
to a school of such character to be opened at Hastings, A propo- 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 67 


sition was also sent from Beatrice. A special comnuttee was appoint- 
ed for the purpose of looking into this matter, and they recommended 
that a vote of thanks be recorded and extended to the people of 
Hastings for their desire to have the proposed school under Pres- 
byterian care; but the Synod, for financial reasons, was not willing 
to assume the responsibility at the present tine. A promise of mor- 
al support was given the venture. 

Various overtures were received up to 1879, when the following 
was presented to the Committee on Bills and Overtures: 

“The Presbytery of Kearney is without the facilities for edu- 
cation in institutions under its care and that some of the higher 
institutions in the state are under influences which give no assur- 
ance of Christian training, and deeply feeling the need of an insti- 
tution under care of Synod, respectfully memorializes the Synod to 
take into serious consideration the advisability and feasibility of 
taking immediate steps looking towards the founding of an inst tu- 
tion of learning within its bounds and under its care.” 

A special committee was appointed to take the matter in charge 
and to receive such propost'tions as the friends of such an enterprise 
would submit. Synod met at Bellevue in 1880 and the special com- 
mittee reported an offer from Beatrice of $12,000.00, including twenty 
acres of land, for a college site; an offer from Hastings of $12,000.00 
in cash and lands, the land to be twenty acres, with building material 


valued at $1,000.00; an offer from Bellevue of buildings valued at 
$5,000.00, cash $5,000.00, one hundred acres of land and 1,000 to 1,500 
lots. 


The committee recommended that the school be located at Belle- 
vue, provided the addition of $10,000.00 cash or pledges could be se- 
cured by September 1, 1880. Assurances were given that this be done 
and the recommendation to locate the college at Bellevue was a- 
dopted, October 16, 1880. Mr. Henry T. Clarke gave his financial 
support and enabled the Board to erect “Clarke Hall.” at a cost of 
$20,000.00. The corner stone of this building was laid July fourth, 
1881 and the dedication came the following year on September ninth. 
The College opened September tenth, 1883, and classes were held 
in the village church and in other town buildings. 


Rey. W. J. Bollman was acting President, and was assisted by 
Rev. F. S. Blainey and Prof. C. M. Des Voleto. 


On September 9, 1884, Rev. W. W. Harsha, D. D., took charge 
of the College as the first President. Upon Dr. Harsha’s resigna- 


68 TH Bt ORY. © Retr 


iton June 14, 1888, Dr. Francis S. Blaney assumed the duties of act- 
ing President. 

Rev. David R. Kerr, D. D., took the oath of office as President 
in 1890. Under this administration Finley Hall was built. When Dr. 
Kerr resigned in 1904 five new buildings, well furnished, and other 
substantial improvements, graced the College campus. 

Rey. Robert M. Stevenson, D. D., acted as President until Dr. 
G. Harlow Lampen was chosen, who entered upon his duties Decem- 
ber eighth, 1904; but resigned the following year. 

At the commencement of the college year in 1905, Rev. Guy W. 
Wadsworth, D. D., assumed the duties of President, and remained 
with the College three years. 

In the summer of 1908 Dr. S. W. Stookey was chosen by the 
‘Trustees as President. Rev. Henry Hubbard Maynard, D. D., was 
chosen Vice-President and Financial Secretary of the College. 

The adjourned meeting of the Synod at Kearney, December 
seventh, 1909, declared by a unanimous vote the merger of Bellevue 
and Hastings Colleges at Hastings. It soon became evident however, 
that this merger was impossible of accomplishment owing to the 
failure of the institutions to agree on the terms proposed in the res- 
olution of Synod. Hastings accepted Synodical control. Bellevue 
since 1910 bore no further official relation to the Synod of Nebraska 
but continued as a Presbyterian college, receiving aid from the Pres- 


byterian College Board. 


Hastings College Organized 


The plan to establish a Presbyterian college at Hastings was 
first proposed in August, 1873. It was approved by the Presbytery 
of Kearney and the Synod of Nebraska at the first meetings of each 
of these two bodies held respectively in September and October. 
Subscriptions of money and land were obtained in Hastings and plans 
for the erection of a bulding were formed. Owing, however, to 
crop failures and the grasshopper scourge, these activities were dis- 
continued and nothing further was done during the next several 
years, 

The first Board of Trustees incorporated the institution as Hast- 
ings College, May 10, 1882, and secured an initial subscription of 
$10,000.00. The educational work began September 13, 1882, and has 
continued without interruption to the present time. 





Bellevue College Buildings. 


70 THE HISTORY OF THE 


Rev. W. F. Ringland, D. D., was made president of the College 
in 1882. In accordance with the promise of 1874, Synod adopted the 
College in 1884. Following President Ringland’s resignation in 1895, 
Prof, W. N. Filson acted as president for one year. He was suc- 
ceeded by S. G. Pattison, who served four years, and was succeeded 
by Prof. Filson, who continued in office until 1902. [n June of that 
year, Rev. E. Van Dyke Wight, D. D., became President, and upon 
his resignation in 1907 President A. E. Turner, LL. D., assumed the 
executive chair. His resignation in February, 1912, left the office of 
President vacant until the Board of Trustees met in June following, 
when Prof. R. B. Crone, LL. D., was elected to the position. He took 
charge the following July. The Rev. John E. Farmer; D. D., was 
associated with Dr. Crone as Vice-President in October 21, 1919. Rev. 
Charles E. Kircher, D.D., was the Field Secretary. Both gave sub- 
stantial help in funds for the Liberty Memorial Hall. 

When President Crone informed the Board of Trustees of the 
College of his settled plan to sever his connection with the institu- 
tion at the close of his eighth year, in July 1920, they began to look 
for the best man available to take his place. Attention was direct- 
ed‘to/the: Rev. Calvin “Hs French, D. Di LE Dy who hadidonesa 
wonderful work in building and endowing the Presbyterian College 
at Huron, South Dakota. After an experience of twenty-five years 
in school and College work, President Crone, retired at his own re- 


quest, and since that date Dr. French has occupied the President’s 
chair. 


McCormick Hall was built 40 
years ago at a cost, as shown by the 
®) books, of $14,703.81. In the spring 
of 1883 Mr. Cyrus McCormick, Sr. 
gave the first $5,000.00 which enabled 
the Trustees to beg'n the construc- 
tion of this building, and, in the fail 
of 1884, when Dr. Herrick Johnson 
i} was leading in its dedication, Mr. Cy- 
McCormick, Jr., wired $3,000.00 more 
to complete payment of the bills, It 
| contains five class rooms and the 
small assembly room. 
Ringland Hall, named for the first 
president of the college, was erected 
in ~ 1884-85 at a ‘cost of $16,799.54. 
























Mc Cormick Hall. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. fail 





Protea baerone wl salem ls 


72 


LHEsHISTORY, OF THE 





Rev. Calvin H. French, D. D. LL. D. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 73 


It contains small inconvenient and inadequate offices, six class rooms, 
the Y. M. C. A. assembly room, locker room and shower baths, the 
college book store, and dormitory rooms for thirty-five boys. This 
building poorly constructed 40 years ago, has deteriorated through 
the years and it must be replaced at the earliest possible moment. 
When the space on the 
ground floor of the new 
Taylor Hall became avail- 
able the boarding depart- 
ment was removed to the 
new buliding, and the old 
kitchen and store rooms 
were fitted up for use as 
locker rooms and shower 
baths. The old dining- 
room became an assembly 
room for the Y. M. C. A. 
The Carnegie Library 
and Science Building e- 
rected in 1908-9 at a cost 
of $17,210.00 houses the li- 
brary of 8000 volumes, be- 
sides five small laborator- 
ies for physics, chemistry, Remiaadariatt 
and biology, an office for 
the Dean, Y. W. C. A. room, and space in which a really large and 
valuable biological and geological collection is piled almost layer up- 
on layer. 








Carnegie Library. 

Alexander Hall is one of the best buildings on the campus. It 
was built in 1900 at a cost of $15,145.90, and named for Mr. Samuel 
Alexander one of the three men who, in conversation, first suggested 
the idea of the college. It accommodates twenty-eight girls in com- 
fortable rooms on its two main. floors. In the basement are two 
rooms used by the department of Home Economics, besides a laun- 


74 THEVHISTORYS ORS DHE 


dry in which the girls do their own laundry work. At an expenditure 
of about $1800.00 during the summer of 1922, the space on the upper 
floor was lighted by dormer windows let into the roof, and partitions 
built, providing nine good rooms and an office for the Conservatory 
of Music. | 


DOMESTIC ‘SCI- This was a building  construc- 
ENCE COTTAGE ed for an entirely different purpose. 
Dr. Crone obtained possession of it and had it moved and remodeled 
at an expense of $7,000.00, It provides good dormitory rooms for 
eighteen girls. On alternate years these girls are selected from the 
Domestic Science courses and they obtain their practical experience 
by caring for the house, and, during a part of the year, preparing 
their own meals. 

THE WILLIAMS A son of Mr .L. O. Williams of Univer- 
BIBLE HOUSE sity Place, Nebraska, and a former student in 
the College, gave his life fighting in France during the World War. 
His father gave half the son’s war risk insurance in order to enable 
the College to provide a home for the Bible teacher. This house 
is the newest and best building on the campus. It cost $8,162.94. 


THE JOHNSON About twenty years ago the students under the 
GYMNASIUM eieadership of Mr. P. L. Johnson erected the build- 
ing which has served ever since as the gymnasium. It has a very 
good floor and has served its purpose well. It represents an ex- 
penditure of $4,122.91. 

THE HEATING The last of the e' ght buildings on the cam- 
PLANT pus is the little heating plant. It was also erect- 
ed under the direction of Mr. Johnson to whose devotion and self- 
denying service the college owes much. The heating equipment con- 
sists of one boiler with some new pumping equipment added in 
1922. The original cost of the plant was about $5,000. With the 
new eu’ pment it is now valued at $6,811.81. 


Off Campus Buildings. 


In addition to these eight buildings the college owns a small 
cottage purchased several years ago at a cost of $3,600. This build- 
ing provides dormitory accommodation for twelve girls. 

At the conclusion of his administration the trustees 
bought, as a residence for the new president, the home owned and 
occupied by Dr. Crone. The purchase price was $7,500, and the prop- 
erty consists of a comfortable, well-built house with a large lot. 


Total Value of Buildings. 


The cost of these ten buildings in which the activities of a body 
of students numbering now over 600, has been as follows: 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 75 





WCC eye eabvelie Ve leUN es chan an Sh ee ERE ee ho AL ee en $14,703.81 
cae Saved Ibs faite 2 a CME es ne JB Me pecan ih oon or a te er Re BA 16,799.54 
Gorneol eam lel lat yur meee ete er ee ke et we a Em 17,210.00 
PNiesxceuIrd Clagett chill mute ney ee ea ae se LE Te eh 15,145.90 
ID omiestiGks Glen Cen GOtta le Games eee eee ee ee 7,000.00 
WY iibewansy [iil Valoybie- 6 a ee ee 8,162.94 
A OMIOS OTM Ga y-TEL Tel S11 1 ee ean eee eee eae A oat eee et 4,122.91 
lnkeeiuboter, Waiei ahs eee eee con at Oana 3 eae ee ee 6,811.84 
Pak Cvile Wa COluta OC) mem tees eee ae we OI St 3,600.00 
[BREST Ci ticw LO 111i mers eaeer eer eer enn wh ena 7500.00 

AMG MG eS Bs Serene ee py ae ene $101,056.94 


The college has graduated 169 young men and 182 young 
women, a total of 351. The following brief summary shows what 
these representatives of the institution have done: 


College presidents, professors and other teachers 122 
Ordained ministers: 

Other ministers 27 

Foreign Missionaries 6 
Unordained missionaries 

Doctors, teachers and others 9 

Single women 7 


Wives of foreign missionaries 4 
Wives of home missionaries 4 
———- Ov 
Married women 62 
Business 30 
All others 80 
Total Bd 


Eight graduates from the College have entered bome or foreign 
mission work during the past year. Four, two young men and their 
wives, have been sent to establish a new station in the Yunnan Provy- 
ince, in the extreme southwestern part of Ch’na. Their station will 
be eight days’ travel beyond water or rail transportation, Three 
young men have entered home mission work and one graduate from 
McCormick Seminary has begun work as a Y. M. C. A. secretary. 

Though, thus far, we have encountered the worst pos- 
sible conditions there are certain signs of progress. 

Before his death Mr. Bissell transferred to the College fifty 
shares of stock in the Hord Grain Co. This stock has a par value 
of $5000 and a market value considerably greater. A farm was given 
by Miss Conway, though subject to an annuity, adds $16,000 to the as- 
sets of the College. Mr. Synnott who, through the Board of Christian 
Education, had offered $5000 towards $20,000 of additional endow- 





76 THE HISCORYsOr bie 


ment for the Bible Chair accepts the setting aside of the Bissell 
stock and $10,000.00 of the valuation of the Conaway farm as meet- 
ing his conditions. 

The alumni have pledged more than $15,000 towards the $60,000 
which they set as their goal for the endowment of the Janet Carpen- 
ter Chair of English. 

Hastings has raised $95,000.00 as her share in_ the 
campaign in addition to the $75,000 aiready given or subscribed in 
an earlier campaign. 

Rev. James B. Brown, one of the best loved men in the Synod, 
is meeting with a cordial response wherever he goes, and Rev. E. C. 


Lucas, D.D., has been secured to work with him. 











Liberty Memorial Hall. 


This great building will dominate and give dignity and character 
to the splend’d group of buildings which will be the material body 
of which Hastings College is the soul. This picture and those that 
follow present the dream of the outward Hastings College of the 


future. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. INGNEBRASKA: 77 





The Pratt Memorial Chapel. 

A college chapel, more than any cther building on the campus 
should be the home of the soul of the institution. Since Hastings 
College stands for the things that are true, and pure, and beautiful, 
and eternal, this chapel will, by its symmetry and fitness, tell this 
story of life to countless generations of students. A splendid gift 
by Mrs. G. H. Pratt and her son Howard, in memory of Mr. George 
H. Pratt, makes this building possible. 





The Taylor Dormitory. 
The beauty and completeness of that part of this building al- 
ready constructed are emblematic of the kind of womanhood charac- 


‘sndwed asa]]0D ssunsepy sinning 





PRESBY'TERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA, 79 


teristic of Hastings College girls. By their great gift towards the 
cost of the building, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Taylor have won not only 
a safe place in the hearts of the eighty girls who every year will en- 
joy its comfort and beauty but also the gratitude of every friend of 
the College. 





HASTINGS COLLEGE 
AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION. 


Article I 
The name of this corporation shall be Hastings College. 


Article II 

The purposes for which the said corporation is formed are: 

To establish and maintain at Hastings, in the County of Adams, 
in the state of Nebraska, an institution of learning, and for such 
purpose to take, receive, and hold by lease, gift or purchase, grant, 
devise or bequest, property real and personal, and to sell, condition, 
mortgage or otherwise dispose of the same, to sue and be sued, to 
serve as trustees in handling gifts and bequests, to have, use, and 
alter a seal, and to do everything and act and carry on every kind 
of operation advisable for and incidental or necessary to the main- 
tenance of the said educational institution, and from time to time 
to transact any business and carry on any operations in connection 
with and for the purpose of the foregoing, but not for pecuniary 
profit: 

To enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every 
kind and for any lawful purpose: 

To issue bonds, debentures or obligations of the corporation and, 
at the option of the corporation, to secure the same by mortgage, 
pledge, deed of trust or otherwise, and dispose of and market the 
same. 

Article III 

The principle place of business of this corporation shall be at 

Hastings, in the County of Adams, in the state of Nebraska. 


Article IV 
The duration of this corporation shall be perpetual. 


Article V 

There shall be a Board of Trustees consisting of not less than 
twenty seven (27) nor more than thirty six (36) members not less 
than five of whom shall be resident freeholders of Adams County, 
Nebraska, and two thirds of whom shall always be members of the 
Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. The Synod of Nebraska of the 
Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. shall be invited to nominate the 
trustees by classes as herein after provided. 


80 THE HISTORY? Ole Tak 


The trustees shall be divided into three classes, the members 
of each class in the order of its succession to be elected each year by 
the Board at its stated November meeting and to hold office until 
their successors shall have been elected and shall have assumed 
the duties of their offices. 

The President for the time being of Hastings College shall be, 
ex officio, a member of the Board of Trustees in addition to those 
provided for in the preceding paragraphs. 

The names and residences of the trustees and the dates at which 
their terms of office shall expire shall be as follows: 


Terms to expire in November, 1922 


Rev eeLhnomasn Gal© sboupnens!O msl): Bayard, Nebr. 
Edward Leavenworth Wood River, Nebr. 
Pee lohnsom Hastings, Nebr. 
Rev BaMa Long, DD: Penca, Nebr. 
John D. Fuller tastings, Nebr. 
Rev. B. M. Nyce, D. D. Lincoln, Nebr, 
Howard Pratt Hastings, Nebr. 
Rev. James B. Brown Hastings, Nebr. 
Rev, Calvin -H.«French, DiD;, Hastings, Nebr. 
Terms to expire in November, 1923 
Harry L. Williams Gothenburg, Nebr. 
M. W .Folsom Lincoln, Nebr. 
Dr PGs hoote Hastings, Nebr. 
Edward G. Taylor Loup City, Nebr. 
Archie D. Marvel Hastings, Nebr. 
Cab VeSmith ‘ Beaver City, Nebr. 
Paul Rhode Morrill, Nebr. 
R. F. Stuckey Lexington, Nebr. 
C. E,. Higinbotham Hastings, Nebr. 
Terms to expire in November, 1924 
Neil H. Dunn Hastings, Nebr. 
C. W. McConaughy Holdrege, Nebr. 
Guy Wilson Laurel, Nebr. 
George P. Bissell Central City, Nebr. 
Kev. (We. HSW-e Bovie,: DD; Denver, Colo, 
Arthur Jones Hastings, Nebr. 
Rev. Samuel Garvin, D. D. Colo. Springs, Colo. 
Dr, C. A. Spellman Beatrice, Nebr. 
Rev. J. W. Pressly Omaha, Nebr. 


These trustees shall hold office until their successors shall have 
been elected and installed in office as herein above provided for, 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 81 
Article VI 


The particular branches of Science, Literature, and Arts to be 
taught in the sa'd Hastings College shall be such as are hese 
taught in well regulated colleges in the United States of America: 
during the years of study commonly called Freshman, eet Sere 
Junior and Senior years leading to the baccalaureate degrees. To 
these subjects others may be added, professorships may be founded 
and related departments may be established as the Trustees may 
from time to time direct. 

The Trustees shall have power to prescribe cond'tions for ad- 
missions, requirements for graduation, and courses of study, and to 
employ and dismiss teachers and others. 


Article VII 


Until the Trustees shall direct otherwise, there shall be fifteen 
professorships in the said Hastings College, and their designation 
shall be as follows: 

1. The Presidency. 

2. The Professorship of Cl assical Languages. 

3. The Professorship of Philosophy and Fexelology 

4. The Professorship of Mathematics. 

5. The Professorship of English. 

6. The Professorship:of.Music. ... 

7. The. Professorship ot History. 

8. The Professorsh’'p of Biology. 

9. The Professorship of Chemistry. 

10. The Professorship of Physics. 

11. The Professorship of Bible. 

12. The Professorship of Romance Languages. 

13. The Professorship of Political Science and Economics. 

14. The Professorship of Home Economics. 

15. The Professorship of Educat’on, 


Article VIII 
The Board of Trustees of this Corporation shall have power to 
confer such academic honors and degrees as are, at any time, confer- 
red by colleges and universities in the United States, baccalaureate 
and advanced degrees, except honorary degrees, being conferred 
upon. recommendation by the faculty. 


Article IX 
If the office of any Trustee becomes vacant by reason of death, 
resignation, disqualification, or otherwise, except in the case of the 
President of Hastings College, the Board of Trustees at any stated 
or called meeting may fill such vacancy, the member so appointed to 
hold office during the unexpired portion of the term for which he 
is appointed. 


82 AD eh Dols Meo MOK se SOle Anal D: 


The said Trustees shall have power to make such by-laws, rules 
and ordinances as they may from time to time deem necessary or 
expedient for the government of the said association, providing alway 
that the said by-laws, rules and ordinances or any of them shall not 
be repugnant to the laws of the United States, to the constitution and 
laws of this State or to the certificate of incorporation of this cor- 
poration, 

Certificate of Adoption 


At the stated Fall meeting of the Board of Trustees held at 2 
o’clock p. m. November 6, 1922, due notice of which was previously 
given, these revised articles of incorporation were unanimously a- 
dopted to supersede the articles under which the college was then 
operating. 


THE HASTINGS COLLEGE EMPIRE. 


The field now open to Hastings College is a real empire. It 
includes the three great states, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming 
with a total population of more than two and one half million people. 
Hastings College is the only Presbyterian College now in operation 
in this entire region. The total Presbyterian membership in these 
three states is considerably over fifty thousand. Competition with 
other colleges is less than in any other similar field. The railroads 
are so located that the entire region is easily tributary to Hastings 
as an educational center. All of these things taken together pre- 
sent at Hastings, the most splendid opportunity to build a great 
Christian college. 


OMAHA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 


With the growth of population and the increase in number of 
churches there was great difficulty in securing a sufficient number of 
ministers to supply the churches. None of the Theological Seminar- 
ies of the church were nearer than Cincinnati and Chicago, excepting 
the German Presbyterian Theological School and Seminary at Du- 
buque, Iowa. This suggested to some of those interested the thought 
of establish ng a seminary within the bounds of the Synod, where 
graduates of our Synodical Colleges and other colleges could qualify 
themselves for the work of the ministry, and be ready to supply va- 
cant pulpits and enlarge the mission work in this and adjoining states. 

Accordingly, some forty men, ministers and laymen, represent ng 
the synods of Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas and South Dakota, 
assembled in the First Presbyterian church of Omaha, February 17th, 
1891, and after an extended conference, unanimously resolved to es- 
tablish an institution of sacred learning in Omaha, the gateway of the 
great home m’ssion field of the Presbyterian Church. A Board of 
Directors was chosen, who, meeting in April, 1891, adopted a con- 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 83 





Rev. Larimore C. Denise, D. D. 


stitution and determined to open the Seminary in Omaha, September, 
1891. 

The faculty, as first constituted: Rev. William W. Harsha, D.D., 
LL.D., Professor of Didactic and Polemic Theology; Rev. Stephen 
Phelps, D.D, Professor of Ecclesiastical, Homiletical and Pastoral 
Theology; Rev. John Gordon, D.D., Professor of Ecclesiastical 
History; Rev. Matthew B. Lowrie, D.D., Professor of New Testa- 
ment Litcrature and Exegesis, and Rev. Charles G. Sterling, Ph.D., 
Professor of Hebrew, with Rev. Thomas L. Sexton, D.D., as lec- 
turer on Home M-’ssions. 

Rev. Matthew B. Lowrie, D.D., was elected President of the in- 
stitution in 1899 and was succeeded by Rev. Albert B. Marshall, D.D., 
in 1910. Dr. Marshall resigned in April, 1920, and Rev. James Mar- 
quis Wilson, D. D., pastor at the time of the North Presbyterian 
church of Omaha, was chosen President in September of the same 


84 THESEUS CO RYS Dae Lie 





Rev. Daniel E. Lane Phy eae): 


year. Dr. Wilson, at his own request, was released in December, 
1923, from the office and accepted the Professorship of Homiletics, 
Pastoral Theology, and English Bible. The first of January, 1924, 
Rev. Larimore C. Denise, D.D., accepted the call as President. 

Members of the faculty, from time to time, have been Rev. Jo- 
seph J. Lamp, Ph.D., D.D., who occupied the cha‘r of Old Testament. 
For twenty-two years he made a marked impression upon successive 
generations of students. In 1917 Dr. Lamp was made Professor Em- 
eritus in his department. He was called to his reward in 1920, 

Rev. Daniel E. Jenkins, Ph.D., D.D., occupies the chair as Pro- 
fessor of Didact'c and Polemic Theology and has served as Dean of 
the faculty for over fifteen years. He is the only member of the 
present faculty who taught in the old Cozzens Hotel at tenth and 
Harney streets, Omaha. His first year of teaching was the last year 
of occupancy of the named building. His total service to the Sem- 
inary has extended over a period of twenty-three years, Dr. Jen- 
kins forms a connecting link in h’s relation as President of the 
University of Omaha, where theological students can avail themselves 
of the opportunity of pursuing elective subjects in connection with 
the theological course. 





Rev. Chas. A. Mitchell, Ph. D., D. D. 





Rev. Frank H. Ridgley, Ph. D. Reyalanics Ma ilsone D:D: 


86 THE HISTORY 0 Beal tik 


The Rev. Charles Herron, A. M., D.D., came to the Seminary 
December 1, 1904, and has since been in charge of the chair of Church 
History, Church Government and Missions, and is also Librarian. 

The Rev. Charles A. Mitchell, Ph.D., D.D., has been Professor 
of New Testament Literature and Exegesis since September, 1902. 

Rev. Frank H. Ridgeley, A.M., Ph.D., was chosen to succeed 
Dr. Lampe to the chair of Hebrew, Old Testament L’terature and 
Exegesis, September, 1917. Dr. Ridgeley is the Secretary of the 
faculty. 

The Seminary grounds are situated in what is known as Kountze 
Place, an attractive resident position in Omaha, with paved streets and 
other city improvements, and are accessible by three street car lines. 

The Seminary occupies its own commodious and convenient 
modern building, providing rooms for students, together with Chap- 
el, Library, Reading Room and Class Rooms. The building is 
heated with steam throughout, and is provided with electric light and 
gas, hot and cold water for the baths. 


The Campus covers two entire city blocks, between Spencer, Em- 
met, Twentieth and Twenty-first streets. 

The immediate field of the Sem’nary embraces the territory ex- 
tending from M’nnesota to Texas and from the Mississippi River to 
the Rocky Mountains—Sixteen great states of the Union. There 
are 3000 Presbyterian churches in this region with 330,000 members, 
and fourteen Presbyterian colleges. 

The present officers of the Board of Directors are 


Raw, eNlinane le Wisin IDID IBID ID President 
Mis Loli Coe \Wihas to tae eee Vice President 
Mrs, Jatiess ELA datsnee Ae ae ee: Secretary 
Ma" Herbert (As )Diotid) 9.2 eu oe sage Treasurer 


The Seminary offers a full course of study for the Gospel Min- 
istry as adopted by the General Assembly and also courses leading 
to the degree of Bachelor of Divinity. It has sent in its history of 
thirty-two years two hundred and twenty graduates of whom over 
two hundred are actively engaged in service to the Church laboring 
in every Synod west of the Mississippi River, in many eastern Synods 
and ‘n the foreign field. 


Object of the Seminary. 


The object of the Seminary shall be to instruct candidates for 
the Gospel ministry in the knowledge of the Word of God conta':ned 
in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, the only supreme 
and infallible rule of faith and life, and of the doctrine, order and 
institutes of worship taught in the Scriptures and summarily exhibit- 
ed in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United 
States of America; to cherish in them by all the means of d'vine ap- 


“AUVNINES VHYWO 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 








87 


88 LPHABAHIS TOR Y2O Rehr i 


pointment, the life of true godliness; to cultivate in them the true 
gifts which Christ, the Head of the Church, by His Spirit, confers 
upon those whom He calls to the ministry; and to impart to them, 
so far as may be, the various learnings by which they may be fur- 
nished for its work; to the end that there may be trained up a suc- 
cession of able, faithful and godly ministers of the Divine Word, as 
the chief agency under God, who ordained the Church for the gather- 
ing and perfecting of the saints in this life to the end of the world. 
—Constitution, 


UNIVERSELY” PASTOR, 








Rev. Dean R. Leland, D. D. 


The Committee on Education in its report of 1911 (page 42-43) 
calls attention to the poilcy of the Board of Education and the agree- 
ment that was entered into with the Board of Education and the Syn- 
od of Nebraska. This agreement provided for the appointment of a 
Student Pastor representing the Presbyterian Church at the State 
University of Nebraska. The Rev. Dean R. Leland, D. D., was chos- 
en for the work, in which he has found his p!ace and proven himself 
well fitted. 


Presbyterian Association of the University of Nebraska. 


The name of this organization shall be the Preshyterian Associ- 
ation of the University of Nebraska. The purpose of this association 
will be to conserve and develop, through pastoral oversight, the re- 
lig:ous life of the Presbyterian students of the University, and by 
cooperation with the Board of Education of the Presbyterian Church 
in the United States of America, and with the local churches and the 
religious organizations within the University, to supply those oppor- 
tunities of religious instruction, worship and practical Christ’an ser- 
vice which constitute necessary elements in all true education and life. 

This Association shall be incorporated under the laws of the 
State of Nebraska and shall be organized with seven trustees to be 
appointed by the Synod of Nebraska of the Presbyterian Church in 
the United States of America, the object of said Association and ap- 
pointment of officers being to promote the purpose of the Associa- 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 89 


tion and to take charge of its property and business interests. These 
seven men shall be elected by the Synod, two for one year, two for 
two years and three for three years, and there shall be an ensuing 
election each year. In the appointment of these seven trustees the 
Synod shall elect three ministers, two of whom shall be pastors of 
Lincoln churches, and four laymen, three of whom shall be residents 
of Lincoln, all members of the Presbyterian Church. 


The above named officers shall constitute an Executive Council 
and have full charge of the affairs of this Association. They shall 
make an annual report to the Synod through the Committee on Chris- 
tian Education, and to the Secretary of the Board of Christian Edu- 
cation of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. 
All real estate and gifts of endowment which may come into the 
possess‘on of the Association shall be held by the Board of Christian 
Education of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of Amer- 
ica in the name of the Synod of Nebraska. 


Thus has the Presbyterian Church in Nebraska tried to do her 
part towards educating and caring for her sons and daughters for 
the duties and responsibilities of life, and to qualify men to teach and 
lead others in the ways of righteousness. 


PASTORS, OFFICERS AND MEMBERS A GREAT 
FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF 
TATE ACHURCH, 


A report of this character would be incomp!ete which failed to 
recognize the faithful and efficient help given by the officers and mem- 
bers of the churches in their different relations and responsibilities. 
There are at present 934 Ruling Elders and 312 Deacons in the Syn- 
od who are contributing a marked influence toward building up the 
Great Kingdom of Jesus Christ. 


The Nebraska churches have been favored with many good and 
faithful men; men who have reflected credit upon themselves and 
their office, and whose names might well be recorded in this summary 
of facts and history. 


While the superintendents of missions and other field men have 
given their time and strength to the duties of their office, pastors all 
over the state have gone outside of the bounds of their own parishes 
to look up the scattered sheep, and gather them together, and pre- 
pare the way for the formation of churches. Not afraid of toil, 
they have co-operated in the labor of secking out and shepherding the 
hidden ones of God’s flock, and so making possible the more rapid 
and extensive ingather:ng to the fold of the Shepherd of Israel. 





90 THESE ISTO Rao loeb E 
When Synod was organized there were 32 ministers. Today 
there are enrolled in 
Boxee Butter PGes byt Cia seers seen tenets eee ies seers teee 23 
Hastings-a: Pres by tery atsc:-voncentec ose eee 28 
Te cutem eryrue tie SDiyiten ya meena crete arene aeeeesee eaten renee 22 
NiGleiclle (Ciney 1ertesoyaxem? 2. girs eee eee 46 
Niveloperieey TEigoclo ne, A ee een ee eb creeoseoe 30 
@itaha se Tesh Vrety tsetse eee 63 
‘Total sees eee Roar le 
Presbytery of Box Butte 
Ministers Address Enrollment 
Alevrson, W.- \WViilets ee tes eee Bayar ce ee eee eee eee Present 
Armstrone’ J) Ag iota ses Mitchell eae Oro te eee Present 
Axtell. Mowre yo, soacssceee Scottsbluff, 2017 First Ave., -....... Present 
Purkheider-. Gharlesm AG e220 GO @ 1a ere ce ees Present 
Campbells Geoteen Wacx see Orta ieee ee 2 ee ee Absent 
Clough, Clintore Wate sess cee Minatate: eos Ae eee ee Present 
Fermison Desaq0D Dy mes! A llvanice tee eke ee Present 
Nerstent.Georec. Geyer Broadwater eee Present 
Kiteaoanitels oar hee Bridgeport. ¢..8s se en eee Present 
Dieht Samuels oa Des Stic F sa2 eva ee tee a, eee eee Present 
Ticn Soamucl ee. eee ee Morrill: (2 eae eae Absent 
McNab Rj amesece see eee! hosebtrgin Orecom aoe Absent 
Olina, JNkopennebae 2, eee Pt © Taye. senc oo es oe i ees Present 
©spottieecioniacm = ee Bicycle so ae oe eee Absent 
Portem Geore ce, Cae eee Morrill 3 cccad hi, 2 eee ee Absent 
Reaugh (Walia yess seca Sam Luis Obispo, Cal. ese Absent 
Sehiaey deayyebeta) TSR Sees Gérin Geka ee Present 
Sie tonne (iO eee ee Bushnell Sa.2 tea ee ee ee Absent 
Score) diese Vwiilliva tre aero Dist Gs. he ee Present 
Siwanmnys, Bo 1 Craw lords aaa 2 SE eee ‘Absent 
Stewalt-), Lddi@wds sche Rushiville: 4c. a eee Absent 
Taylor, Robert’ W.2D7(D.22 Scottsblufi 3107 By t6the ste Present 
ators © Eran kei VV 9 eee eee tes Kimball ce. 2a oe eee Present 
Town Clerks of Session Enrollment 
ly SAlliances:s sees eS Jal. Overman se eee 
2 Bayard ie eoeeee ae ae ee IZ ES. Buel Cae oe eee 
Bide CpOLte ae eee Ee N..t Drapers tc oe ee 
AED LOAC atc tae eee Paull? Katoni sis eer eee 
be Crawiond : epee eee ey As7S * Sexton=s eee 
On Crawiard a 22, ke eee. Dsaish?-Stetson. -. eee eee 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. OL 


Fie TBR WANS Sec hh ean en Pe 7D  W B eee 8 ee eee 
Sy, » LD nihvoym, (ieee aah eee Veslh Abby Ais Wenychys Se OR ae ee ee 
(yh Bg ee oe ea a oe ere es Politi GolatiSe tiger, aera tesa cya ares 
is) me) keer eee tee ee ewe Lote htel in cmeeeene eee 
ili, UGxosmakonaie cee cee sete meee. (CRESS 10 rene ee ee ee ee ence 
1, TeleverRICWN a. te pee (Co ide eM, 22 oe eee eee 
Sb, IEG Nnnil oped he ee eee ee we IDs. WO IBY Me ROVeKR Steet ee es ee 
i ee S CO Meee his crs a Or Re AC MOB ai ie Ait wl a bee SP a 
jae VicGrews =. seed ee a NE EL ial fe Clete eee eee eee 
GH Li tientclt ee sees ee cee our oc 1B, IML, Were@pelineie, NN IDS oe eek 
ee VIO CL IM eee wee. Ame B. A. Rosenbrough . B. A. Rosenbrough 
ei AM Moreilh, eae eee ee aes Sd is SE a eres Wa bao, Se oe, ha ee rea nee 
TOS VOT iil ieee tec ere atte ee (Caving ABIEN MUNA ee es ee ee 
COMBERNUSIiVillGaeeee oe ee ae Oy. wily, NAMING pak IAI) gee ee 
ST amocotsb aie eno. Jo Ce Reynolds 1620 “Lhird Ave. 
Prem Se OLUSD Ui Let ce a eenck os: Wig Goce ote Lies nce ee ee ees 
Dame STON CVA eee © See a Sap De Mio Cree einer soe eee: 


Presbytery of Hastings 


Ministers Address Enrollment 
Andrews, William FE. ...........: EV aS iitio:s meee e eee eee ce eco Absent 
lpianikesy, Jeiahe ASS IIL IDS ate Oxfor dye Fete Ve eta Present 
leaner, VAAN Iota LC ae ee FE C12 Tf ee men ec eee Present 
Biaenniaa, NAGMHrGl Joel oe YAS Hit CS APe eee = ral tA eee es, ed Absent 
Bidces a Ghatlecwas ats ie. MO GMa RRMG EK. IMON GEL cones eae ore Absent 
DanielwGeorse: M:5.2)e a, (CHIE Koay seep el ee heen eens eee Ne Present 
Diary Oni @ sees ee (GANG Wbei bes. nn nee eds Be eerie ee Absent 
Douglass slaimes “Me. A FLO cite a cumeem ee aera n oer Cee Pee Te Present 
i erg ad ic aee Co ook re ee Peay ein GEV mete cee Ae A! Present 
Eggleston, Albert H. ............ SUD CEILOL Ee okie ae eee cee a Present 
PEN Vilna se. 3 eS Jaa perianal oe ee Present 
MEU RICYC, SIP 55 os aR eae Bei ds ea ae te ee eine Ue Absent 
Por ree es). lol DP Hastings. A... c ot ee Present 
Himphrey. louis Fos. AN fel ale eh ech Vee Sr eel ARDS Present 
Jackman, George R. 2.2.2.2 Pehan Oa pect e Sat aioe an Present 
Jones; Stephen. H.. 2.......°2...0. Nelsiiiewietoas eo ee tee Present 
PGES AM lations ons. 2330 N. Halstead St., Chicago .... Absent 
Kein etre Albert Mee. os Gata bet lea ee ee Present 
Kirkpatrick, Charles 22./.. |: Cadam see ee ee, te Rel Present 
Mackay, Donald D., D. ENC rc € twee ee so Present 
Newell, George E. D. D. ...... EL ASTI TiC Sh, Camere hee Lia ine Present 
Brothers dwin Ti .3.2 Tete Sa Was mua tere ee) Present 
IOCISG ME ACOhS ss ea Hiastitios. «seen Ge ee Be Absent 


schell Ulysses. G., D..D,. «.... Oak. Rete tei 1 Ped ae Oe Absent 


92 THEeHISTORY OR Tis 


Stee tak LS. Rive tenceeserataeeeeeceees PI SStiit8 soos cde ae evseeeeees cw Present 

Seabright, lrnest (GC. v.secrecce PURUOIE cio iss eee aeons Present 

Stred des niiip Nyy cteceecrteseeence-seer Nurora® 26022: 8 ieee Present 

Taylor, Juewallaces VV seces2 Vengurla, Ratnagiri Dist., India Absent 
Churches Clerks of Sessions Enrollment 

I Gsh cea} qe ee ne ee ee Bess. MUTT SOTY tt cee nae eee 

INSP Cn feces aoc i ee ee Ward. Shuée 722.522 n eee 

Beet tee ee ac aca a reese neg eae ee acs ee ene ee 

Plies Hill ose eee Wo rrod Boh ste g Witten Rene eee ee Ee Se 

Beaver. (City uacee ee eee DpH Cronk esa 

Cadams. 6 2 eee EL Sa Tee] aes de ee 

‘Ce rehuiaie | ke eee ae Qin te SECC tie Ss a enetete an eee 

Cyoloysecreyal  SSs.s ST ese! Ax Get Brsentarty 22s) en ee ee 

Aico toylepihae ee ee ee oe oT. UT GOP We. ail) cad coc. cept eee ee 

FE at ce ocean da sae sede Seco e cad ec es Sat Seep Sa cates a sas St baa ce eu eae 

Gilfiiera eee eee eee ABroyu tig AR Watel Ronee eee Be 

bebe balstes We bee a ee eet coe @val Ue Samsithlat as eeeoreeeeee eeee 

Tasting Shite ee Whaley NGI Sern. s-ne after teeeee: S. A. Haynes 

MiGteree ete eae eee PAR Belvillet se eee Ex Ri Haryard 

Litt p@rtah | sesaz-cdeterseneasnusve tenet Vested Joanie Bender: 22 JT, M. Bender 

KeeieSa We) xvirtes teenies eee Crvilll Ja Caldwell 2222 Chasm Runune 

IGE DANO N esstad aes (yy Wl BTSs abanAetOWN eso sone ce 

TeyiSTIl eC reeeepeeereree ieee eee SCs Karsseliee Rao) SActin@nc meena 

NAB OW <r ecetex bee eceiennnccede ee oe ence Pea Re Pe OR Ce ea fae Ee 

LUA G sho (cr Reece ene a meee VER 3 Lo We baste 2.) IW. Hastie 

AUR W eM Gay sghege hy bum dupes ns ere JAS Olson RR: 2) Minden wes 

Wel SO Thi oc cigeec ang epp actuaries Walliams Beeblen ss Wm. A. Voight 

TN es evotuesttote de aha Je AVR UR GBD. Ge.ees. tee eee 

TUE A iS anzaueer Masderistsbynent sete B. We Glay peo! \ 22a ee eee 

ORLOC. Conwesttck nL aehvae wan eece re Teer Hutte: ee Sa ee 

BRAS TST 2S. diuciyc seca cigheasy Cavin ecto esehemas ow veatideg st pac ariedccas Seer een ete 

Stamford), tues nee eee A. Ga BinjoMm. = 2.2 Harry H. Elimers 

SOOCKUA Hin dic sonhe eae kei Wie DAR Vit =. = ie. ee ee 

ERE cle hay Maree te uk. ee LES on Sack Jo GG. Dahloten 5 oven Geo. Young 

WilS Oily tlle ecccnacaeeledt naka JoeN: Jamison’ 22s ke eee 


Presbytery of Kearney 


Ministers Address Enrol!ment 
Blacksehirediericlae aes eee Loup: City, .Neb.s send eae Present 
Burkkhans, Walliany shia Keystone; -Néb. 22.05. nae eee Present 
Burke” Julius (Be iene eat oie awards Neb ae eee Present 
Cooper, Alexander P. ............ Gozad Neb, 5 ie sees ae Present 


Ean Soe Absent 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 93 


Pye SCO tate Die ec eccnemcewspaee IBPOke nm OnvnmN Clymer meres eae Present 
raha mel OD Citar cers as itch teld sein Gbemeee eee ee Present 
WomnrsOMy Oe Vvets Cl nc:r sanpstrqs (Gib bonne D yee ee eee Present 
Prcieem@natice i. LO. Dire. Muller ton smN GD rans te. teete a tacree Present 
iecher Clarence: Ay fcc--v.<9 SE aah Neb: tte. Present 
IRraulged alte CAA ROX KGN eceesea pepe eee Hrershve yiane Nie bie retec ee ee Absent 
McClenahan, Henry  ............ Premera, INICIO caste eer Absent 
Rreerhom Arthur | fo S552... Stapleran Neb. Gash kenas Present 
Patterson, Newton Po: D.Nerth Platte Neb... csi Present 
Pees, dnlpwenaiyy als IDS IDs axes Ord een eb mere ee eee ee TS Absent 
Primrose, VWilltaray | oes Spaldincer wine pe a. eee Present 
ibe yee, Medora ae eee eee Geandielsiand weNeb we e.5- Present 
omni Lhos. Bo By De Ds Central City* Neb) 22.cc.02.2...4 Present 
SOU yearly cen, Seecenene Gethenburg, “Nebs 5.4.2.) aak Present 
Sweetland, Leslie FE. ........... Lexington, Nebio cde: oscil ekoes Present 
wie CON ETEE nit fe nem oe ee Rearaey Neb, ass oe Present 
MWitson, “Edward! A. 4.14... Shelton. Nebatst. NS ee Present 
Churches Clerks of Session Enrollment 
TRUSTE, thy aves Cate aa Se ee oe a a) SY Laieed BAY Sy dv ga eee ER amr a 
EAC CURES ey rer ere Fh Se Milton Rentfrow, Loup City .... 
Ptaken: Baw tuc-oatose ics | We MRIS cS aaa G. E. Joiner 
rae WAL ey epee cestconciceenax cbc: Cae uate: donieseon oto eee: 
Rare Gol ONG cps cessstuans (artes Fred Menke, R. F. D, Lexington 
Cer MCT Vins ccceentosunel cccczeicanad ATUL OESRE oe eect J~ Li johnson 
Glantihtete © .o)8 coy. te Frank Casper, Primrose ............ 
Grader eh Fo Licey 2 BOnrensier ia. ss H. V. Behrens 
Mollcetontees:. foe G,. F>> Robinson +22... Albert Thompson 
giniatisee ie Pas “iy, Se Georger Wis DeWelf 2.500... 
Gothen tl umes co ato. cena lace HH EW ilianss: sc. H. L. Williams 
Garam. island. (eg is oe Ses 4) ch A ise meres. sponse ye Se: 
Rice ct aye ee co we te. Zw eilishisora ny oo, foe ote 
i eatiey. ee. Prec pS 5 We an ChASh 7 baie acs L. D. Martin 
gn ea enh = a oe ea eases ee eS 
UT Rig ao, ee A Oop ariek ito. 28 Be st 
BCP fa eet a cass setecsense George A> Anthony .2....% RUSS) ene 
ILARWE NIGEL. Ak ee ee George B, Work. ..2c2-ax.. G. B. Work 
ere the CGT: 2S a ae Wiaeder Vier Vatinws) 2.62 ey a 
UNOS TS A EUR ke EB; M. Roebbinson  =..20.2 H. G. Mitchel 
OeGl oo ge ky sees a Geercegh. Gatis ve oun ee te, 
Siem day ar deere en ee JonaVetienday, 6) 20 levi 
NA, TEER. We gy Be ce ee re eran Pacer d epee eee Gar al aylor 
SUES EGE ia oe Wel ce ll Giplinews 0 .ceoceie vee 
RETEST Pa TEE SOE een me orbit Brownlee=s 0 ve: 


SLADE ODE eee tes Batie We Glandon nei. eo 


94 THE HISTORY OF THE 
Grit berlatid 9 setwectencceccaete aeerrenee=== Walter Cokepe sec ciccscesssecereceneeeerns 
WAVGKOVal TROWESE secre tect renee Ei Wie it fe eames ees cee eer 
Wwailigoya INI) rpc cet James G. Hastings, R. F- Dace: 
Presbytery of Nebraska City 
Ministers Address Enrollment 
Barry ol oma = ei ete Osceola «eres tester tee ee eee nee Absent 
Belly Marctts fleet cisccseeese ese Blues Spriness aie t eee Absent 
Borden, \Georse. Wor--oe-e-- Yukon, -OKlahonia cece Absent 
Brethouwer, B.).,20.Di - it CO] yee ee aes ee ee Absent 
Bottoms, Nj. Ernest’ 520s Kaneswilless Mo. ct cccctceee ere eee Absent 
Brown, James eB.) ceacecc-ceeeee Hastings «© NeDaxfei. ae Present 
Carpenter, John H., D. D...-1521 Washington St, Lincoln ~2Present 
Gompton, Orviile yee 17367 Cherry. St, sLincoliaes Absent 
Davicet hee A Tt NUE geeccceeeeect acs Pats btiryiedee a bee eee Present 
Davies, D. Penty -x.-.:--.-.--.--. VWiy more alee Liat eee Absent 
Davis, Bruce W., ...........-------- Steeles City as eee Present 
Loole, Williani Dae dreaene- ct A date (eae SSS ee (ee Present 
Himbhot eB laiet iia gee eae SS Omaha 2 ee Present 
Prank, 2 Clinton te) eee Deshleriaa. 2. Ss ae ee eee Present 
Garretson, John .......-.-..---.----- Boscelisseet ho lpe Ka tS sae Present 
Gertsch, Albert sss Hickian sts se Absent 
Goodale, Steele" Dy [22 =: Vistek ae telo ere ee Present 
Guinn, Clyde We vee Hubbell cence smn Re 
ranrant, Curtis Jo eee pacgeres Tal y0@ 01 Claes Sai) ee Absent 
Henry, 2B enjamin a spies -ta1) sa ee e Present 
lIshilgelnerr,. Isleveris) (Go codes ose: Chi 
; LTA p oe shes te Scie eee cee ee om Se Excused 
Hilscher, Solomon S., D. D. 962; Oy ; 
aaa: 263. ‘OS St, Lintel nae eee Present 
Inioliumecgp@redin, 10, INS cceceerte 
2 : SSS ay Cig Aes eve eee i Se Present 

Miiherst,. Hredericka@ ssa Raymond prevent 
capes: ea Se eeeeeseeeee University Place,;72 a eee Present 
Johnsoa, Paul et seonrygecedascancesss= 2oLdeatidu Gartel de lincoln: Present 
eee Bee G, D, D. Steele City cht AO ie ee ee a Present 
a and, I ean “i D. D. .....-- 1315S. 26th. Lincoln geese eee Present 
GONVES, Hist UCL! | ys cectensaaeeuaery S atte bul te ate ke aoe Peet 
Liteas, edgar GD) 9) aie aa pieced eau of tee eae See 
arte Pea G. OUP Cr mihadeisilal =. ee Present 
McGee, James WV oe sitet utthngatees Staplehutsf Sextet. Absent 
eee Benj. Markley, D. D.13th and M Sts., Lincoln ............ Absent 
Patton, Leonard Re. 1508 First Corso, Nebr. City ... Present 
Daye bat) renee ee A Tit lode a eae ona Prasat 
Loe yeaa i Boral Weak aalonheece ee ee Present 
Lane Vice Wises aaron s Panninae- see eee teat 
Rosenausy | Olt e ay eee Fasting) i. ny pee 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. oP 


Relde bie heatlerc.se este Ue Us (iy epee On Be he aioe Present 
SCS deere ge CEL Koooid tan DO DY areal cs WC “4 05 0 ae too pen oe mae Present 
StOnecipneteuls Geb iisl a Rone. Os Nala ccc ecetennss Present 
trates Wier clas Beare nesterces Ns hitart ojo (ols Sara 2 Shot eee ur ee ee Present 
EE ROEIpSOU. « | AY: Lee cectaeccctene Si7eNe othe ote LANnColi g ancc Present 
WWVieitee @aliiim CA et NY eo 6 Wats: ae ire eno linn ae, ae Present 
Williamson, DeWitt C. ........ ae Hoge 1) 5) 5. gener ee eee eee e Absent 
Wimberley, Alexander ........ (Whamrereainy IMIRN 25.4 ee ee Present 
~ Churches Clerks of Session Enrollment 
DNGENTNIS: Sot ree Scene eee Se as ak oe Wo Mel Maehmeeoy te. care 
TW tos oh Rg lene ae See a eee ae IL, Jal, Winesraloyererctny 1b, Ink, “IMakopeinloyobetedey 
JaNied BKO} Saree ere eee ees oe lene re Cee GOslitie han hen om leimncoln 
PNUD ULE Timmer oer tae cece, See eee WG, de, (Gnu ia, eee P. A. Gilmore 
BALTES EO Mime te roe ee etree IRS, (Ga TBR ee aR I one pete ten: 
BiG CLIC Gres ett oe ets eee ih; 1B, SaGl@iah cee Sh ee F. B. Sheldon 
| STT WaT ieee acter emioe ea CR VWVaeele oolestomeneneee J. M. Mahaffey 
BCU E LD oan stercecesccnatinean ander bsdagesne i OW, Wyallhievans,, Wane 
BST PLING S) Sep ese factor es sacvenscees Pei bear odericikpentnee oes: 
OLSEN LON P8 foies ia  a opeeeae: Wine, WSyelanavenvaveie Gee eee 
DD EShyl Ctgmeses scent ee ose Nieiete CAGES sees see re 
ED Cramer ees a I Ne (IMB tDL) Seen are ee 
Dimi aie eee ee Wie Wine TTVeSG eee E. H. Boercherding 
Eva 110s Va eee ee ee See eee Si Trea A | ere eee ae J. L. Kennedy 
PUAUE TION tier tes Uae cat Wikwanonn (GuilGyoil 2. ee 
Bic iGie Gita ie seen nia ree ee A BavGrovesieae sae eee ee 
ict higeeee Searente a. urea Pee Ox Gy Kilecknenieents seen ens 
Stes atime aie ko es Digs ha Sti gees tide Se tee 
Heb to iaemeene on wt (alee Richards ese ese eee 
(Poo Shieh ee Georges IClinp asses. P. G. Fieselman 
Febery gall ao i GwAseParkery Unadilian 27.0. 
RASC ee eee et Gayle CraigNatkas Kanga... 
Tia Old tase oon b en ae ey dh isk Terry ge aie ET T. H. Gillan 
TEINICOlmm nS tees te ee Feil tae ever C8 eee nec e eee 
Lincoln, Highland Park: ....... Herman Hammerman, R. 6, Lincoln 
iLrarcerelbae - Svexeroyayel! ee eee ee Titus Davis, 1726. K St) Lincoln 

ais Aerio en See | eee ent 
Lincoln Westminster ............- O. A. Andrews, 1735 Euclid, Lincoln 
IL erica tere ee races J. C. Westerhoff, Alexandria ... 
Nt Ge LES A eee Vanes as REL Cf bee ees ne een eras ee 
Osceolaae wees ak Bes Pill PAtiderson2t ate ete 
Reallintisy tice nee. Dae 5 IO D Citar beams Mie rae eee een 
eal alti cgmeeetee ie ee ws We hy Te ial, (C. Jioilbimeverm, 1 12, IDL, 1ieda 
Paw Meee A ye ce a tee, Ge A sharrington => ase W. S. Potts 


Iblatesnioutimeee ee ane eee J. M. Robertson 


96 THEAHISTORY OF SIE 


Raymond Ge oP ees WwW. W. Witliso ties seer eee eereeneees 
Saad tie ee eee Drie uo Old GIL sgereet Dr. ik Peder 
Seplaburstecee eases: Re Ms pGocdell rae eee 
Ciee en City tee eee eee Allen T. Phelps -.2.2..... Allen T. Phelps 
Sad dard Cem t cement Parent eae Jacobs Ketns ne noe ree 
ARGOS Teel ke” ee eee Philip Asher... 2. stesso 
"Paiaiine HM eniee eeeees AB ey llen ee eae 
AMP pe, ern ea i ey MeeASeT Warp Sacre eee ee 
SRI R Ver tng no Sle, ae ee pee tn Jae RULERS. = meee eee 
University Pl. Westminster..R. S. Arnold «ce 
S ford 4 ey ee eRe eee Dre oR? MeConauchy 2... e 
Presbytery of Niobrara 

Ministers Address Enrollment 
Ambrose, Pout) Gases Hastings, VN Cy. 9 eecrecea-ceee nets Absent 
Andrews, Joseph «1... Randoiph web, cr... eee Absent 
Barone Vea ee eee Niopnara,, Neb. -2a.2.G.es ee Present 
Beers! Henry fe aes Starts eiNe Dasa cn nines Present 
Caldwell,: John:,M., D.. D. ..... Chicago, .39,N.2Pine,Ave........ Excused 
Clark SSL 6 eee Valentine ge Nie Dae seccee ees eee nee Present 
Christie 9] ohn (Gio. ste teen Calendocees ts. ten. ces eee Absent 
CrOSS SN ee ee Vek Voll C Sieccretecte. ise kee eee eer Absent 
Byycant vis olin ee een tceee Belen sec encenscatencenenenstacancosyoys angen Present 
RialaeAtitone Bape ee Wier.cit] Syren a Present 
Callagher, “Geo: Wr 22s cecceros Ballipiary@ 16 pee Absent 
Guest Wore Hl geeeee see ee cere Atkinson Neb wee eee Present 
Elaines aroun 6 ties ees eee Columbiar Moe ee ee Absent 
Hennine a) of 5 ore nce eene Fairheld, Gla, eet eee Absent 
Hushesg ty Wee ee Eloi MeN € fi; Gover nse cg eee Present 
Fones, sAbraham Roce sec Gambridge Nebr Present 
Jones; sFenton SG oar eneccee. Waynes N Cb s.ca te eee Present 
FOTGS WV OO ee eet nacre Carroll °Neéb, Gs... 0s Absent 
Kelsoujaines is meats s Belden, Neb, (2:33.22 eee Absent 
Lampe,” Heney Wed 0 St Rorea ee Excused 
Woecwae © dywiancd mesa eer Chicago "s.,.245.. 50 eee Absent 
Long; /Barzillat M:4D:. D. 2 Pender,” Neb. 2s... eee Present 
Dongestatt Get seeer-cennokes O'Neil; Neb. 2s. a Present 
Littles ee] olay Wi petersseec ee creees Madison, Neb..22222 3 oe Absent 
Orr .Reteg Mie eee eee Nortolk Neb) 2. ires te eee Present 
Russell.J 7G. ee ees Osmond, Neb. eee Present 
Stith, eerie, wed ee Abode Poncase Nebs ass ee Present 
Sulenberger, Linn P. ............ Gttatamaia, CGC. Ac = eee Excused 
Wolters BatGe eae Emerson,-Neb. 22.22 eee Present 


Yemm, Steplien ....u.02. Wakefield-sNebaee ae Present 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. an 


Churches Clerks of Session Enrollment 
SONGS Wane nike acy ee ee ee me ldete sate J. W. Fullerton 
PA Dpleat Lek ek ats beets nates Wie Wa AaeSEmOA VAY 5 ee 
TEU cle tn eee cre eo eae Giarless Or dary. = eee erent 
Bre atl Vince ce ces eee [eG Mam Der teen. eee oe eee 
IBV KON SUD RG ka greene oe See’ Searels Cad maple 3 Sek ae eee ee ee 
RSE LTO tee terc ance tae aanae nts chee ee CHRIS SVG AE 11 Ge rege sen eee 5 
71 FeO) ee em eee see ee MIR Sete en SP rik oe Oy 
CMe Nrel TV re ote aencates cant GC Alynn, Dustinges ©: 34s: 

LD Leica 7 eee eer mere ce Dre Wren. Petersotim scree 
| PAW (OU Chas od ec Seeciecties ereeer aera Whe KoA x Okinawan akon ce ee re 
SCC IE RE Sas SS Pe ec aera Ike Soo lakonaninena, ON oe 
TLagPiRK Ua, ee ace ree ee re eis cee aise ISR ale IB INO es eater rete 
AG ariel tree 2 ore ee ee Re a CAE MING ry ripe eee eee ee ee 
DEO ale NOLS WW eset aac peace Aa Cpa Nit he yee ens aes ore 
IAGO Tne eee ee eee Geo, 12, IWnetenralkemn .45- fe 
RELODGAT Ah tate neo tes be, toacasee Kee Gross Vint pp) Cin a eeeeers C. C. Whippie 
IN tho] Kaew ee ete ee eee eS 1S) eV ise Bara 11 irene wee eee 
(©) sa lcccl ay emetic rence em meee emt Tipe OW Gute eee nee oe ee Lee 
Sion dig Seek ee Se ie Bar Gas chroed ére se 
TEX SOK GE Mp oe ae ee ee erat a Seer GlydeMiyers uae esr eee 
VEXGIAVE NSN OE 6 Sioa eter ee ane eae See Dele Gy cee ee eee ee S. D. Love 
Rando'ph WF en Die ee, Re | Ise WEL POM ANG on ee 
SEOTOte City tae Bee ool Severs pat oe mete re, er es 
Slat tapeens aa ae. . ot ate Hips Sens Onis cess. kee Sa, © 
Weaulanibavee neo Seee ten ee lekemine AWGWesD <A Saal 
Ng et Ce | memes ee eee Cee (eine aie ae oe ee ee 
Wee etic ageeta eae eer eee ROD Cita Lat nieay:s © timeee aeeeeeee a 
WAR ary: tl meee ne eee ee ac Eom Fae) Oe Syeeeerene mer Se i 


Presbytery of Omaha 


Ministers Address Enrollment 
Jat Rig yh Bo | gee ee en Per Cryo eats aa ae ern ei oe Absent 
Asromeuscawin To Rakes Wiaterlooae tea nce ese Absent 
[Ee Epa d «2 Ce gas ae Omaha 29692 Paciic ems a eee Absent 
Bloomquist, John M, ............ iEninovatey WSS OE IBS oh Ne oe eee Absent 
Bad cael Opetts bon ..ss eee Vial Levee bing ieee ae eee ieee One Absent 
wactevemosepas.° Pits 1). = ..Omaha’ .218 Nei 7ths one Present 
Suirets moe De LL) s-.e a2 alls Nin alee INS cee Present 
fey oe.) rr Denver: 6 Ol tesa eee ae Absent 
WO AONE vig ine Does ere Ohavgilmay, Cy So aun St, Ges Present 
Davices }OuMn Phe e oe 267 ot (R302% S28 Stee een eae Present 
ErustAlberty ks Pho D: 2... v= 9035 > Nee 39th eee Present 
Pechete Ge he G:-. ete ee Te ~ 28617 Dodgenaaret eee Absent 


98 THE HISTORY OF THE 





Foster, Harry Bo sccsseccetnee Chicago, 77 W. Washington ... Present 
Grace, Mredeticks Ey Sen. Omaha, 2562-Ames “Ave. —2-.. Present 
Graham, Everett) sVV wee -cessee ewer O Old el tick e tteesc seems Present 
Griffiths, Thomas “2-2 -ck lene Columbus waNeb: 46s Present 
Halsey, «Walter Nivi-2 cr Omaha, 2738 Crown Point -....... Present 
Hamilton, James M. ............ _ uk eval: NTE catbesteootcce Present 
Herron, Charles; (D; -D.a.25 2 Cipey Weiaaneigy Sth os Excused 
Heuser, Herman: Gear cttenscees 47 OAL IBeheseyebol JANKE, ccoce Absent 
Honsaker, David Sz DD =. Valley= Nebo scmsanseeen ee eee Absent 
Pinter eSttia hte Nae eceeecececesctee Northfield, Minn., 1055 Nevada Absent 
siemngem, lel WS cteeeseosees Weioh,, Nie bity ees ee eee Present 
Jenkins,*D., Ei. Phe Dab) olOmaha19et Binney n= ee Present 
Jenks, Edwin Hart, D. D. -.. PATO US soothe ota eee Present 
OCGA Wine ete tee een eneesees BD By Se Site Ss. bee ies Present 
Kearns. A 0c bi) ieee acne iekcarrialy aaetN | samen ee eee Present 
ES@ATIIS, | RAY o We cure-certaceectaarees Ei @1m0.11 Cae Nic eee eee Present 
Kearns, Wm. H., D. D. ........ Omaha leveize peice lint! s (eee Present 
Kounolyesswa cles ic cscce ct Mit eS Tt CLS tues oe mee Absent 
Lenk VeWisi Sac Aen Re mera eh 2S 820068 Wallis A. verme eee Absent 
(laird, MelyinJR D2 Das. ‘ 1335. COoeoD bless Present 
Lice Pal Gi ese eecee es a3 34 eo OL) ae ere ee Present 
MCE ween ROD Cl tao tausareeseace Macy Ne bigs ac eee eee Present 
Jenkins. bisa toy bee 1) peters secs Theci. Sem., Princeton, N. J. .... Absent 
Horton, Snuiel N. seen OLGTIOUN CD iin. fee ee Present 
MacLeod, Donald e of 1b ~QOmana,-4916" California asa Present 
Miller David € peeks (Cedere (Rikemis, IN@IS. coo Present 
Mitchell’ GeA Ri eD 26: D. Bellevue, Nebel ee eee Absent 
Moneymaker, epltar lone: Benson wine Ds aero ae eee Absent 
Moore ilarty,ps)teeeec eee. CEA eR CD aye cee tetera ae Present 
IMigonmeictenny (C5. 18, cance Wintlebago. =Neb _ 22a Present 
INTC METS 0 tite Loe) eee ee NAVE Yera CNG Slay » cee Present 
Niyeeenack: INvermenein 1B. see Minneapolis, Minn., 2322 Bryant Absent 
IPAKniiSON, (Goreme Io ccckaetccccd Valithill- Neb sil eee eee Absent 
Pressty..) se Wr weet cee Omaha, 614 Peters Trust. -0.2..1. Present 
Tatipgy Robert Barents see Carlinville, Ill., Blackburn Col..... Absent 
Ridgley, Frank H., Ph. D. ....Qmaha, Neb., 2011 Maple St. ....Present 
Ro bel Charleg sire ett terecmemeen PAP 35 Ns SOth Sts eee ae Present 
palsbury pyamies 11.1), vias Larctise Nein eae eee eee Be Present 
Ieussell Me Glarencer cyst tics Bellevuc,s Nebo ae eee Absent 
Spencer, John Eo... Omaha,e 4216 S22 etd ~Staieee Present 
ILE Wal Car CLO MI Vcr st sce teisccnte Chicago tsetse te et Se Absent 
SDAIt eV Wa Ws eee eee Oniaha s54685..415 pee eee Excused 
TayloceRiussell’ <i oe. aaa i! 2625. Charlesvgie nied Absent 


Vanderlippe, Robert B. ........ We acA384 Lake:Sttecie.. ae Absent 


PRESBY''ERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA, 


99 


RVRRYTatlia Ye sey lg eect coectt svt seen Oniaha mw sOLito Oty stan eer Absent 

WWieihipntare I fcyell, sce teens Aa oS PTB DEL aN © Digea ers hare Peete ecg Absent 

Weeeksel ranks Ms sat 2c. Bowing Green, O . Absent 

Wheeler Ropetrt.y: Dea. Omaha, 4826 SS. 22nd- en Excused 

\Wavlauiiroavepaem WRN ehie Ves eres ie Ol OS aero Cll eee ee Absent 

Wilson, James M., D. D. .... Mo PRORO! SHNSICE ne Bee Present 

Winn, Geotoe: Wi. .2..tecccccceee Ona ican Ohistia geen ee ee eet eee Excused 
Town Clerks of Session Enrollment 

RSET CL Ol bares fot see ERE es ePetoceccesnce Edward enatleys 4) toc 

Bellew te cpeeaees te ety Bence cot Seee NTISta tts) seOllOr teeeeeee eee eee 

183 Ey ie) eet eae) ea a on eee vere er Mrs. Petér’ Badcverow 2i.8..4.22 : 

Redate Dlatls ts 22. 2tc ccc tteess Vivleree Coamece UEP 6 Vounevetess see. orate 

MONG Titer sexe cg ors ce eons caaxaltcies at Dre We McCaw a6 se eee 


(Colin IK AOR ee ees H. C. Mower 


CPO EAN YEY US ee nage fw aint Sho ea 1, VBL, INAURRMEIITR co bass oe 
0 oS ae eS oe Maphie Kcenned yan eee 
a CE r le epee, Sia espe tae omen Ree Coen Orc) Tem es eee ee Peal 
HERS eg Ee ee Wiese Vi oe ea cleton ins. 
alee LON al EG gaint ROC re a nee WROBEL SRN OOdS ee ee ee 
BT PMLCL OGLE. tae Bho ors, Sa eh rence tL ae NTA TOG Me uae R Lh eae a ht : 
Er CSOT tae ieee te cee eee Sen a SHS POLO ie Lae eee oe are Be 
BBV ONS ese eee te oS teen Om Hele Ot Sue ee ee nen ne 
Festa oY Tele ads eal oad. oper eles eee en ae EO Gee VVilr all Cee 2 legen hee es 
RS Cy Ure: Tie awa. s eT ¥ : lehbccwanh eo WAV allies Aes Ne ae Se 
NG Vag teee eae te Cee se eee 5) ee eM OS Se seen ees Se 

@matiawetitcst = re ee en @atpenteraaeen ant at GibDSmeVlen Ds 
A ARIUS IGE Vols ete A wate Bil@yclROSent Clie nena mee : 
ween CUE nemesb Oem iatt soe. s ccc ee oon eeeesees uae eee te 
ceeme s CTLGO flames ee eee EIS CON MES OT Ory ap eemeemeer te ees eae saae 
me Gastelaig Ste meso 2.8 UBB fc Rates (a ere es ae a 
2 Ones Leilene ee Geom ben Viawteree.s teen aes 
eS OVE Tati tree. ee tee Dae Bertrand sees seas ees 

Meme ee ee eked AOU ELE Wit (enemas ee oe N. J. Baker 
Meme ISANE Ve Ww > tect Bee Mir Cal GagAe Betti) ete ee tee eee 
ER TOE CTCON te. ci tee Watton. Ehomp sone. eer 
ime etivatiy. | ss 42.2..25...-s WWW; Ae leo Cll Te hewn tates ee cee 
MMEEISOWCAAVE! i..22..cccenee5 J AS CS fritter ee 
ei etebatic: = see BY Be Gesmanweee sets eee 

2 INi@ieEl Te So ee Chasen Wie Cainieeeeeaeenes R. A. McEchron 
game leat liom N alee hae Gagh yeh shetis: Bootes. 
7h! Sipe lib Dee ea a Vee Cae aS O11 geen re eee 

MMV VESTITIINSLET, |. otecc-cstee Ce Barnet tae =e Frank Waterman 

enw VW Heeler Memorial’ ....W. Fo Paulus..s:chsn.eoee M. G. Zerbe 
we ee a Blewelv 2 =clOneste..-.5 5 Bis. 


Lindasy 


100 THESIS LORY © Teh i 


Pap pillioni wees eres Charliet-Drum pb legreeg sees ee 
SChtry lene. ce ee ere ADYENC. Ink, W@leNNot ee 
Scribe cia Wie bSiCh mas heen {] SASSI ETO (is © fines eee eee eee 
S. Ohenalingy IRS IDS GAIA cs PCa RSS net aBr tre 2 20 i le eh 5 
S. Omahae R DeMoshers eA Ne ON Ver meres eens 
qplkewaatallas ee ee hae Jas ae ores Glia xc ae ee Cc. A. Valder 
Nia ey mee see co eae ree ee REVS en tell marke ee ae ede 
AiVeWalG yo oh SA oee ies aes AG pee ae loc Btredenh erage. ee 
VV eerste eee ee eee ee ees Wie Deeb iddo clk == 
Water O One-s.14ies ian eee ee Carlton Bae Noy ese 
Wai ea Oe tear cee cee Os EV sBuckeyiecieeac oe eee 


SYNODICAL WOMAN’S SOCIETY. 


Along with this group of men must be mentioned the “honor- 
able women not a few” who have organized and sustained the aid and 
missionary societies of the churches. Very much of the financial sup- 
port of the local churches, has been contributed by the labors.of the 
aid societies, while the missionary societies have raised large sums of 
money for the extension of the church of Christ at home and abroad 
under the direction of the Boards of Home and Foreign Missions. 
The first woman to be named in this connection was Mrs. Henry M. 
Giltner, the wife of the first Presbyterian missionary to Nebraska, 
who said to her husband during the critical crisis of their journey, 
and refusing to turn back, “No, I propose that we go over and pos- 
sess the land.” 


The following report has been handed to Synod over the sig- 
natures of Mrs. H. V. Hilliker, Synodical President of the Woman’s 
Synodical Society, and Fannie P. Adams, Acting Secretary: 

Nebraska Synodical Society comes to the close of its forty-sev- 
enth year of service for the cause of missions. We are grateful for 
the splendid spirit of cooperation among our women, and the ability 
that has been shown to go forward in spite of all difficulties. 

There has been an increasing efficiency in Presbyterial organiz- 
ations and’many of the local societies are feeling a deepening res- 
ponsibility along the lines of stewardship and missionary education 
as well as financially. 

The strength of the Synodical lies in its six Presbyterial soci- 
eties composed of 127 missionary societies, 37 Westminster Guilds, 
95 Young Peoples and 50 children’s organizations which carry the 
local responsibility for promoting the cause of Missions, 

One achievement of the year is shown in the fact that 196 of our 
young people are tithers and 47 are student volunteers or have signed 
up for Life Work. There can be no better remedy when we are dis- 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 101 


couraged than the thought of the fine young men and women who 
this year have gone to Yunnan from Nebraska. 


Fine work was done in the campaign for the Women’s Union 
Christian Colleges of the Orient. Most of the gifts were small but 
missions through this campaign have touched many new lives and it 
now remains for the women of the churches to tie up this newly a- 
wakened interest and bring these women into our local societies. 


The fine way in which Box Butte, Kearney and Omaha Presby- 
terials not only did their share but went “over the top” needs to be 
mentioned. 

Of course we must acknowledge a small deficit but even so there 
was a gain in gifts of $1000.00 over the previous year and we refuse 
to be discouraged. 

The requests for speakers and missionaries to “tell the story” 
have been increasing. 

Mrs. Bandy and Mrs. Miller, both supported by the women of 
the state, have had 55 speaking appo’ntments with the President and 
two Board Secretaries having 70 more. 

There have been 32 boxes sent to Freedmen schools together 
with our regular White Cross Work for Taiku Hospital. This is 
a form of work that is holding the interest of many of our women who 
prefer to see what is being accomplished, If each one of you could 
read the letter from Dr. Fletcher, of Orchard, Nebraska, who has 
charge of! our hospital you would all want a part in our next sh p- 
ment. This year we are reporting 17 schools of missions with 2465 
in attendance. Our goal for this year is “A School of Missions or 
a Study Class” in every church. It can be done, but only in cooper- 
ation with the pastors. 

Then too we are stressing equal quarterly payments of all Mis- 
sionary pledges and again we are asking the co-operation of the 
church sessions and treasurers to help us reach our goal. 


Some of our Presbyterial societies are urging that if necessary, 
they will borrow the money and pay interest instead of the Board 
doing so. The review of the work of the past year g ves us courage 
to go forward, attempting greater things in the days before us that 
we may in truth, “Go from strength to strength.’ 


Poe 


102 


THE HisTORY* OF THE 
EXTINCT CHURCHES. 


The following list contains the names of churches that once ex- 


isted during the past fifty years in the Synod of Nebraska. 


Ashland 
Avon 

Ash Creek 
Araphahoe 


Ayr, Mt. Pleasant 


Alma 
Anslie 


Ambler Place, Omaha 


Ashton 
Armada 
Albany 
Anoka 
Angora 
Adelia 
Alban 
Brownsville 


Bethel, Beaver Crossing 


Belvidere 
Beulah 
Burchard 


Brainard 

* Bell Creek 
* Belle Center 
Boone 
Bloomington 
Burr Oak 
Berg 
Bethany 

me Bilair 

Box Elder 
Benkleman 
Bower 


Bethel, Camp Clark 


Bromfield 
Belmont 
Burbank 


Ara Aqsaig 


Nebraska City 
Kearney 


” 

” 
Hastings 
Kearney 
Omaha 
Kearney 

” 

Box Butte 
Niobrara 
Box Butte 


Omaha 


” 


” 


Kearney 


Omaha 


Kearney 
Hastings 


Nebraska City 


Kearney 
Hastings 
Niobrara 
Kearney 


peziue3si9 


1863 
1875 
1875 
1879 
1881 
1883 
1863 
1879 
1883 
1879 


1880 
1882 
1881 
1884 
1886 
1887 
1887 
1889 
1892 
1892 
1893 


48 


sueo’'y 
JO syuRisy 


666 


asuefy 
uo sueOo’'y 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 103 


Beatrice, Second Nebraska City 1893 59 800 
Bird Wood Kearney 1SO5mne lao OO 
Bethesda, Plainview Niobrara 1897 10 
Bostwick Hastings 1900 18 
Buda Kearney 1905127) S00 
Big Spring Box Butte 1913 24 800 
Bethel, Hartington Hastings 1915 28 
Belmar Kearney NOG De 
Ceresco Nebraska City 1877 20 500 
Carlton 7 ns 1879 19 
Charleston ye a 1879 17 
Clarkeebinst Omaha 1876 

Colfax County, Central ‘ 1881 

Center Park 32 1882 14 
Cache Creek Kearney 1883 15 
Catherton Hastings T8827 ur 
Calvary f 1883 10 
Creighton Omaha 1884 13 
Cherry Creek Kearney 188545 250 
Clinton Niobrar 1891 

Crow Butte Box Butte 1896 350 
Castle Rock Kearney 1897 
Centerview, Broadwater Box Butte 1910 

Chappell Kearney 1a 
Dakata Cty, German Nebraska City 1863 19 
Douglas a a 1876 

David City 2 3 1882 

Daily Branch Omaha 

Dakata City Kc 1879 13 
Driftwood, Cornell Hastings 1889 14 
Dorp Valley, Gandy Kearney 1889 15 
Exeter Nebraska City 1880 16 
Endicott y oe VBS et O aD 
Elk Valley Omaha 1873 12 

Elk Dale Kearney 1875 

Elm Creek 4 1876 

Elkton « 1881 14 
Eaton Hastings 1882 
Ebenezer Kearney 1872 

Eureka Nebraska City 1886 

Elwood Hastings 1887 

Elba Kearney 1891 
Emmanuel, Glen Box Butte 1896 600 
Fuernas Kearney 1875 


104 CHE HIS TORYEO raise te 


Fontanell 
Fairview 


Friendship, Stamford 


Farwell 
Foster 

Flats 
Glengary 
Goshen 
Geneva 
Garrison 
Glenville 
Greely Centre 
Goodman 
Green Valley 
Gandy 
Garfield 
Grand View, Schuyler 
Genoa 

_ Goshen 
Helena 
Highland 
Humphrey 
Hooper 
Hainesville 
Henrietta 
Harvard 
Harmony 
Hardy 
Hardyville 
Hartwell 
Huntington 
Hartington 
Haigler 
Holstine 
Hope 

Hayes Centre 
Humboldt Bohemian 
Hope Chapel 
Inman 
Inland 
Imperial 
Kingston 
Kelso 

Knox, Salina County 


Omaha 
Hastings 

” 
Kearney 
Niobrara 
Kearney 
Nebraska City 


Kearney 


” 

” 
Niobrara 
Kearney 

” 
Omaha 
Kearney 
Nebraska City 
Nebraska City 


Omaha 


” 


”” 


Kearney 


Hastings 

” 
Omaha 
Niobrara 
Hastings 

” 
Kearney 
Hastings 
Nebraska City 
Box Butte 
Kearney 

” 
Hastings 
Kearney 


” 


Nebraska City 


1863 
1883 


1889 
1892 
1899 
1912 


1875 
1877 
1880 
1879 
1883 
1881 
1887 
1889 
1889 
1889 
1892 
1912 
1871 


1877 
1879 
1881 
1876 
1879 
1880 
1881 
1883 
1884 
1884 
1888 
1889 
1889 
1889 
1890 
1879 
1913 
1881 
1881 
1888 
1873 
1880 
1879 


10 


wo 
wo w 


pee 
Oo © 


13 


1057 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 


Kearney German 
Little Blue River 


Luisville German 
Little Salt 
Lost Creek 
Lone Tree 
Lambert 
Liberty 

La Platte 
Lilian 

Lacota 
Lincoln Third 
Melrose 
Mudy Creek 
Mornence 
Marysville 
Maple Creek 
Millerboro 
Mentor 
Middle Branch 
Myra Valley 
Marquette 
Millington 
Marshland 


* Mount Olivet, Thurston 


Mount Olivet 


Mount Carmel, Dawes 


Mount Zion, Miller 
Malmo 

Nenaha River 
Norris 

Nickerson 

North Loup 

New Helena 
Negunda 

Norden 

Northport 

Nesbit 

Overton, Samaritan 
Odell 

Oakdale 

Oak Creek 

Osco 

Olivet 


Kearney 


” 


Nebraska City 


” ” 


Omaha 
Kearney 
Nebraska City 
Omaha 
Kearney 
Nebraska City 
Kearney 
Nebraska City 


23 ” 

” ” 
Omaha 

” 

” 


Kearney 


” 


Hastings 

9 
Niobrara 
Omaha 
Kearney 
Kearney 

» 
Omaha 
Nebraska City 
Omaha 


” 


Kearney 
Hastings 
Niobrara 
Box Butte 
Kearney 
Kearney 


Omaha 
Kearney 


” 


” 


1862 
1882 
1882 
1883 
1881 
1882 
1888 
1912 
1912 


1882 
1881 
1876 
1876 
1879 


20 


1100 


105 


400 


106 Be IST OREO Hair 


Oak Valley 

Oses 

Ohiowa 

Omaha, Bedford PI. 
Omaha, Grace 


Oconee 

Plum Creek 
Plattsmouth German 
Pleasant Prairie 
Peru 

Prospect 
Paragon 
Pleasant Valley 
Pleasant Hill 
Pleasant View 
Prairie Center 


Plymouth, North Bend 


Pine Ridge, Crawford 
Perch 

Prague 
Providence 

Page 

Rosefield 

* Republican City 
Red Bird 

Red Cloud 
Riverton 

Ragan 

Redington 
Rockville 


Riverview, Henry, Neb. 


Summit 
Salem 
Simeon 
Swan Creek 
Sterling 
Sicily, German 
Sheiby 

Stella 

Silver Creek 
Saint Helena 
Spring Ranch 
South Adams 
Salem 


” 


” 


Nebraska City 
Omaha 


” 


” 


Kearney 
Nebraska City 


Omaha 


” 


BBD 


Nbraska City 
Omaha 
Niobrara 

Box Butte 
Omaha 
Nebraska City 
Niobrara 
Nebraska City 


Hastings 
9 


” 


Kearney 
Hastings 
Kearney 

Box Butte 
Nebraska City 


Omaha 


” 


Nebraska City 


German, GothenburgKearney 


1882 
1880 
1887 
1894 
1890 
1896 


1863 


1872 
1883 
1883 
1877 
1878 
1882 
1886 
1891 
1893 
1894 
1907 
1909 
ing lat 
1880 
1880 


1876 
1898 
1888 
1890 
1898 
LO 
1872 
1872 
1872 


1876 
1880 
1881 
1882 
1865 
1882 
1876 
1877 
1883 


12 


22 
13 
20 
14 


20 


wo 
(00) 


ci) 
(o0) 


666 


690 


400 


300 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 


Scotia 
South Fork, Chambers 


Sait James 

Scottsville 

Stromsburg 

Sawyer 

Sunny Ridge, Thurston 
* Sweetwater 

Sprague 

Seaton 

Strtssburger Union 


Thornton 
Tamora 
Tracy Valley 
Turkey Creek 
Tobias 

* Thayer German 
Thurman 
Unity 

Union 

Uysses 

Union 


Verona 
Valley, The 


Weeping: Water German 


White Cloud 
Wymore 

West Point 

Wisner 

Waterville 

West Union, Ponca 
Willowdale 
Waveland 
Woodlawn 
Williamsburgh 
West Blue 
Warnerville 
Wallace 

West Albright 
Willow Creek 

West Hill Genoa 
West Grand View 
Weston Bohemian 
West Pleasant Valley 


Kearney 
Niobrara 
” 


” 


Omaha 
Nebraska City 
Niobrara 
Kearney 
Nebraska 
Hastings 
Box Butte 
Kearney 
Nebraska City 
Omaha 


City 


Kearney 
Nebraska City 
Box Butte 
Kearney 


” 


Nebraska City 
Hastings 
Kearney 
Nebraska City 


” ” 


” ” 


Omaha 


Kearney 


” 


” 


Hastings 
Niobrara 
Hastings 
Omaha 
Niobrara 
Omaha 
Kearney 
Omaha 
Kearney 


1885 
1885 
1886 
1887 
1887 
1893 
1897 
1898 
1898 
1907 
1912 
1875 
1872 
1875 
1881 
1888 
1889 
1894 
1875 
1879 
1872 
1911 


1891 
1862 
1880 
1883 
1872 


1877 
1878 
1881 

1879 

1879 
1881 

1883 
1888 
1889 
1889 
1891 
1895 

1896 
1896 
1901 


800 


300 


300 
650 


200 
300 


107 


108 PHESHISCORY Ohe Ln Es 





Winside Niobrara 1902 8 
Xenia Omaha 1883 15 
Zion Grove 4 1894 9 
SUMMARY 
Amount on churches no longer existing $35,848 
Amount on manses no longer existing 2,700 
38,548 
Less 60% probably received by the Board 2oles 


Amount due from churches reported on 

this statement as gone out of business, 

mortgages not yet paid. $ 4,500 
SUMMARY. 

In the face of all the difficulties and hindrances incident to the 
development of a new country, arising from the lim'ted means, loss 
of crops, financial stringency, and many, many tears, we today, “pos- 
sess the land.” During the history of the synod 489 churches were or- 
ganized. Of this number 202 survive with a total membership of 30,043 
communicants, and 27,588 enrolled in the Sabbath schoo's. 

There were received into the churches: 


©) rae Besa ita Ti 1) ee ae ee 60,461 
ByrtCertinca tense. ie see ee ed eee 46,734 
EhOtalmaccessionss=== 107,195 

Presents t Oba milerib C1, cmeee ert eee at eee arene 30,043 
Deathsh Dismissed stots p eile came an eee eee mee 77,152 


A summary of aid received from the various Boards: 


Board of Home Missions, 
We have in our possession a partial list of the churches in the 
Synod, giving the total amount of aid granted by the Board of Home 
Missions: : 





33 churches aided in the Presbytery of Box Butte ..... $ 74,412.75 
28 churches aided in the Presbytery of Hastings ............ 88,065.64 
33 churches aided in the Presbytery of Kearney ...........- $ 58,571.00 
24 churches aided in the Presbytery of Nebr. City ........ 73,565.99 
34 churches aided in the Presbytery of Niobrara ............ 114,043.33 
34 churches aided in the Presbytery of Omaha ........... .... 111,967.66 
USGechunches warded: tiem y.11 © Climeceeme teeta ee mere $520,627.20 


In addition to the appropriations made to the church- 
es in the named Presbyteries the Board of Home Missions 
has made appropriations for field men and expenses, dating 


from 1895 to 1923, amounting to 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN: NEBRASKA, 109 


ee eee 91,487.73 


Total received from the Board of Home Missions ........ $612,114.93 


The Board of the Church Erection Fund. 


Total aid now on books given since 
1889 to Presbytery of Box Butte ............ 


1876.10 Presbytery ots Hastings =.2.22 
isis to. Bresbytery ot KWearineys 2-2. 
1870 to Presbytery of Nebraska City .... 


1882 to Presbytery of Niobrara ................ 
1870 to Presbytery of Omaha .......... 


Woe anel whys Cin NOOR once 
Mortgages on churches which have pass- 

ed out of existence and which have settled 
MOL(CAV SS see ack Churches. $35,848.00 
Mans CSimeeessee 2,700.00 


Mtotaleai Get Om GlitiCh Comet ae eer 


Payments: 
On loans, etc. now on 


DOOKG rea ere ences ee $ 13,774.40 


60% of mortgages on ¢church- 
es and manses gone out of 


CXIS LEN COgee eee ee eee 23,128.80 


SROralmelCe pany i Ctl ices ae eeenes weer 
Net Aid or amount of Mortgages .......... 


Education. 


713 students for the ministry have been 
aided by the Board of Education and the Gen- 
eral Board of Education from 1880 to 1923 
INnclusivesatmascost to the: Board of ..:---. 

Mr. E. R. Sterrett; Treasurer of the 
Board, says, “Up to the year 1911 none oth- 
er than students for the Gospel Ministry were 
aided by the Board, but since that time we 
have been giving aid not only to them, but 
also to the Medical Missions students and 


Lay-workers. 


$ 34,275.00 
$ 36,853.00 
40,916.00 
27,576.90 
42,615.00 
46,577.95 





For Student Pastor Work since 1911 to date: 


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3 
32 31,565.00 


$ 938,908.31 


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PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA, 111 


, 


These figures speak “Now of the days that are past.” And as we 
compare the great sums of dollars with the number of souls, some one 
may be tempted to say “what an expensive enterprise is this!” I*or 
great has been the lay-out per capita. Yet, to God, even one soul 
is of greater value than the sum total of the millions named in the 
compilation of these figures. “What shall a man give in exchange for 


HIS SOUL?” The poet has said of man: 


“What is the thing of jgreatest price, 
This whole creation round? 

That which was lost in paradise, 
That which in Chrisit is found. 

“The soul of man, Jehovah’s breath— 
It keeps two worlds at strife: 

Hell moves beneath to work its death, 


Heaven stoops to give it life.” 


Fathers and Brethren! What a monument has been set up by 
those who were interested in the salvation of souls which have been 
singled out with that Heaven paid price, “His only begotten Son.” 
This great Synod is the monument of our fathers and brethren, 
wrought with toil, trembling and tears. Around this monument are 
clustered sacred memories that will cleave to the members of Synod 
and of our churches until that day when our eyes shall be closed to 
earthly scenes. We have reason to “Praise God from whom all bles- 
sings flow,” for the results attained. But the greatest monument will 


be our own life if we are l'ving to be what our sainted fathers and 
brethren would wish us to be, to do what they would wish us to do. 
We are face to face with untraversed country. We have much new 
ground to break. The wilderness is before us. Let us imbibe the 
courage of our ancestors. If we drink their valor we shall have cou- 
rage to stand by the Truth even when liberalism and its followers 
have gone another way. It is the courage which believes that Truth 
is God’s leaven of the Kingdom, and therefore indestructible, Cou- 
rage hung on the cross, but could not be hushed. It blazed the way 
through death for our salvation at the price of the Blood of the Cru- 
cified ONE. “For ye are bought with a2 price; therefore glorify God 
in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 


We must renew the spirit of historical Presbyterianism, a spirit 
engendered by great convictions and fitted for effective service by 
an organization engaging the virial powers of awakened and devoted 
ministry and laity, 


112 THEEHISTOR YsOr “Eli 
OFFICERS OF THE SYNOD IN 1924. 


Moderator: 
Rev. George E. Newell, D. D., Hastings, Nebraska. 
Vice Moderator: 
Elder James R. Dean, Lincoln, Nebraska. 
Stated Clerk and Treasurer: 
Rev. Julius F. Schwarz, D. D., Hickman, Nebraska. 
Permanent Clerk: 
Rev. William F. Perry, Fairmont, Nebraska. 
Temporary Clerk: 
Rev. James G. Clark, Beaver City, Nebraska. 
Stated Clerks of the Presbyteries: 
Box Butte—Rev. Mowrey S. Axtell, Scottsbluff, Nebraska. 
Hastings—Rev. E. K. Bailey, M. D., Oxford, Nebraska. 
Kearney—Rev. William James Willis, Kearney, Nebraska. 
Nebraska City—Rev. William F. Perry, Fairmont, Nebraska. 
Niobrara—Rev. Irwin G. Smith, Ponca, Nebraska. 
Omaha—Rev. Walter N. Halsey, Omaha, Nebraska. 
Eastern Field Secretary: 
Rev. John W. Pressly,.616 Peters Trust. Building, Omaha. 
Western Field Secretary: 
Rev. Robert W. Taylor, D. D., North Platte, Nebraska. 
Rev. Chas. F. Robel, Field Worker, Omaha, Neb. 


STANDING AND PERMANENT COMMITTEES. 
I. Synodical Council: 


Rev. Benjamin M. Nyce, D. D., Chairman, 13th and “M” Streets, 
Lincoln, Nebraska. 
Rev. George E. Newell, D. D., Hastings, Nebraska. 
Rev. Thomas F. B. Smith, D. D., Central City, Nebraska. 
Rev. Paul C. Payne, Pawnee City, Nebraska. 
Rev. E. E. Emhoff, Omaha, . Nebraska. 
Elder James R. Dean, State House, Lincoln, Nebraska, 
Elder S. S. Sidner, Fremont, Nebraska. 
Elder J. A. Lett, Lincoln, Nebraska. 
Clerk of the Council: Rev. Julius F. Schwarz, D. D., Hickman, 
Nebraska. 
II. Standing Committee on Program and Field Activities: 
Rev. George E. Newell, D. D., Chairman, Hastings, Nebraska, 
III. Standing Committee on National Missions: 
Rev. Edgar C. Lucas, D. D., Chairman, Beatrice, Nebraska. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA, 113 


IV. Standing Committee on Foreign Missions: 
Rev. Paul C. Johnson, Chairman, Beaver City, Nebraska. 


V. Standing Committee on Christian Education: 
Rev. Donald C. MacLeod, D. D., Chairman, Omaha, Nebraska. 


VI. Standing Committee on Ministerial Relief: 
Rev. R. V. Kearns, Chairman. 


PERMANENT COMMITTEES. 
1. Joint Advisory Committee on Comity to Confer with Other E- 
vangelistic Bodies: 
Rev. James H. Salsbury, D. D., Lyons, Nebraska. 
2. Church Federation: 
Rev. William James Willis, Kearney, Nebraska. 
Trugtees of Synod: 
Elder E. G. Taylor, Omaha, Nebraska, for one year to 1924. 
Elder S. L. Chapman, Aurora, Nebraska, for two years to 1925. 
Elder John D. Haskell, Wakefield, Nebr., for three years to 1926. 
TruStees of Presbyterian Association of the University of Nebr.: 
A.A. Reed, Malcolm Wyer and Rev. B. M. Nyce to 1924. 
H. W. Folsom, and Judge J. R. Dean to 1925. 
Rev. S. S. Hilscher and Rev. Edwin H. Jenks to 1926. 





REV. WM. F. PERRY, REV ee) on Gem @ ISACR Ke 
Permanent Clerk. Temporary Clerk. 


114 THESHISITOR YeORe OLE 


INCORPORATION AND STANDING RULES OF 
THE SYNOD OF NEBRASKA. 


Article I. 
INCORPORATION AND MEETINGS. 


The Synod of Nebraska of the Presbyterian Church in the United 
States of America hereby forms itself into a body incorporate in 
pursuance of the laws of the State of Nebraska under and by the 
name of The Synod of Nebraska of the Presbyterian Church in the 
United States of America. 

Section 1. Unless otherwise determined at the last meeting of 
the Synod, it shall meet annually on the third Tuesday of October 
AUROMONGLOGc Miami 


Section 2. The Synodical Council shall be charged with the 
task of preparing the business docket of the Synod and the program 
for its educational, popular and devotional meetings. 


Section 3. The Pastor and Elders of the church where Synod 
meets shall be a Committee of Arrangements to make all suitable 
preparations for the entertainment and comfort of Synod. 


Section 4. Each annual meet:ng of Synod shall be opened with 
a sermon or address by the retiring Moderator. 


Section 5. One-half hour shall be spent in devotional exercises 
each day at such time as the Council may determine. 

Section 6. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper shall be ad- 
ministered during each annual meeting. 


Article II. 
OFFICERS: 


The Officers of th's corporation shall be the Moderator, Stated 
Clerk and Treasurer, together with three Trustees. 

Section 1. The Synod shall elect a Moderator annually. 

Section 2. There shall be elected three Trustees, one of whom 
shall be elected for three years, one for two years and one for one 
yera, and at each succeeding annual: meeting of Synod one Trustee 
shall be elected for the full term of three years. Vacancies may be 
filled at any regular meeting of Synod. 

Section 3. The Synod shall elect a Stated Clerk and Treasurer 
and a permanent clerk, who shall serve for a period of three years 
and receive a salary of $150.00 and $25.00 per year respectively. A 
temporary clerk who shall receive $10.00 shall be elected annually. 

Section 4. The Stated Clerk of each Presbytery shall be required 
to furnish the Stated Clerk of Synod, ten days before the annual 
meeting of Synod, a correct roll of the m‘nisters, churches and clerks 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. E15 


of sessions of his Presbytery, also a report for publication in the 
Minutes of Synod of the number of churches, ministers, licentiates 
and candidates within the bounds of the Presbytery, together with 
changes that have taken place during the year. 

Section 5. The Presbyterial Treasurer shall be required to pay 
to Synod’s Treasurer the Synodical apportionment not later than 
the first day of May of each year. 

Section 6. All property conveyed to and held by the Trustees 
shall be held in trust for the Synod of Nebraska of the Presbyterian 
Church in the United States of America. 


Article III. 
ORGANIZATION, 


Section 1. There shall be created a Synodical Council to be 
known as the Council of the Synod of Nebraska. 
1. It shall include in its membership the following: 

(1) A chairman elected by Synod for a period of three yeras. 

(2) The Moderator of Synod. 

(3)The Chairman of the Standing Committee on Program 
and Field Activities. 

(4) Three ministers and three elders, elected in three class- 
es from the Synod at large to serve for a period of three 
years, of whom not more than two shall be from the 
same Presbytery. At the first election two shall be elect- 
ed for one year; two for two years; two for threee years. 


Its Functions and Operations. 


2. The Synodical Council shall correspond in function with 
the General Council of the General Assembly in supervising and car- 
rying out such executive, administrative and promotive activities 
as shall be referred to it by the General Council or by the Synod. It 
shall bring to the attention of Synod, with appropriate recommenda- 
tions, any matter requiring Synodical consideration and action. These 
powers of supervision are always subject to the authority of Synod. 

3. It shall, when so instructed by the Synod, and subject to the 
approval of Synod, appoint such Synodical workers as the needs of 
the Synod may determine. It shall fix the terms of their employment, 
their compensation and budget needed for their use and generally 
supervise their work. 

4, It shall, subject to the approval of Synod, elect the Chair- 
man of all standing committees who, if not already a member of the 
committee, shall, upon his selection, become such. 

5. It shall exercise such other supervisory and administra- 
tive powers as the Synod may from time to time commit to it. 

6. It shall prepare the business docket of the Synod and the 


116 PHESHISTOR VO Pare te 


Program for its educational, popular and devotional meetings, a copy 
of which shall be mailed by the Stated Clerk to each pastor and 
Clerk of Session ten days before meetings of the Synod. 

7. It shall meet regularly in connection with each stated meet- 
ing of the Synod, and also at the call of the Chairman. 

8. The Stated Clerk of the Synod shall be the Secretary of 
the Council. 

9. The expense of the Synodical Council shall be provided by 
the Synod in the same manner as other Synodical expenses. 

10. The Synodical Council shall have power to fill vacancies in 
membership of Council, Standing Committees and Synodical Of- 
fices; such appointments to hold office until the next annual meeting 
of Synod. 

Section 2. The Synod shall have the following standing com- 
mittees: 

1. Committee on Program and Field Activities. 

2. Committee on Foreign Missions. 

3. Committee on National Missions. 

4. Committee on Relief and Sustentation. 

5. Committee on Christian Education. 


1. The membership of the standing committees shall be the 
Chairmen of the corresponding Presbyterial Committees. The Chair- 
men of the other standing committees of Synod, and the President 
of the Woman’s Synodical Society, shall also be members of the Com- 
mittee on Program and Field Activities. 

2. It shall be the duty of these committees to carry on, with- 
in the bounds of the Synod, all the work represented by the corres- 
ponding agencies of the General Assembly together with any special 
work that may be assigned to them by the Synod. 

Section 3. The functions and operations of the Committee on 
Program and Field Activities shall be as follows: 

1. The Standing Committee on Program and Field Activities 
shall cooperate with the Committee on Program and Field Activities 
of the General Council through the Promotive Organization of the 
General Council in carrying out the policies and program suggested 
by the General Council. 

2. It shall be charged spec'fically with the developing of 
Stewardship, Missionary Education, Every Member Mobilization, the 
Budget Process and the Every Member Canvass and the dissemina- 
tion of information concerning the work of the Boards and of the 
Synod. 

3. It shall coordinate all promotional work proposed by the 
Boards or their representatives and shall correlate the various ac- 
tivities of all agencies operating within the Synod in a harmonious 
and unified program. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 117 


4. The Chairman shall be the representative of Synod on the 
Apportionment Committee of the General Council; and this Com- 
mittee shall receive from the Apportionment Committee of the Gen- 
eral Council the annual benevolence budget for the Synod and shall 
apportion the same to the Presbyteries. 

5. The Committee shall cooperate with the District Office 
of the Promotive Organization of the General Council, through which 
it shall receive the suggested plans and program of the General Coun- 
cil and every assistance possible for the successful carrying on of its 
work, and to which it shall send such information as shall be needful 
for the development of future plans. 

6. The Committee shall meet regularly in connection with the 
stated meeting of Synod. It shall also meet upon the call of the 
Chairman or the Synodical Council. 

7. The expenses of the Committee, other than as met by the 
Promotive Organization of the General Council, shall be previded 
in such manner as Synod may determine upon recommendation of 
the Synodical Council. 


Article IV. 


Section 1. The Moderator shall appoint a Vice Moderator and 
the following temporary committees: (To be composed of 3 mem- 
bers each) 

On Bills and Overtures. 

2. On Judicial Business. 
3. On Finance. 

4. On Mileage. 

5. On Necrology. 

6. On Resolutions, 

7. On Minutes. 

constitute a Committee on Leave of Absence. 

Section 3. Synod shall appoint a Committee of three persons 
who are interested in the history of the Presbyterian Church. This 
Committee shall gather historical data worthy of preservation, and 
shall cooperate with the Presbyterian Historical Soc’ety of America 
and shall serve during the pleasure of Synod. 

Section 4. All Committees of Synod shall report in writing, 
and all reports of Permanent Committees and of Special Committees 
appointed at a meeting of Synod, to report at a later meeting ,shall 
be placed in the hands of the Stated Clerk at least fifteen days before 
the annual meeting of Synod; such reports shall be printed by the 
Stated Clerk in the Blue Book, to be ready at the place of meeting 
upon the arrival of the Commissioners for distribution; such reports 
shall not be read on the floor of Synod unless ordered by Synod; the 


118 THLESH IS LORYSO Faire 


action thereon to be printed and such extracts therefrom as may be 
necessary to show the action of Synod. 


Article V. 
MILEAGE. 


Section 1. The railroad fare, or equ’valent, of ministers and 
elders who are members of this Synod shall be paid as far as possible 
out of a mileage fund raised by a per capita apportionment among 
all the churches and no one shall participate in the benefits of this 
fund who is not in attendance upon the floor of Synod or in active 
committee service during the full business period of Synod, except 
when serious sickness or death shall call away from Synod a mem- 
ber in attendance. The mileage checks shall not be handed out until 
the closing day of Synod. 


Article VI. 
GENERAL RULES AND AMENDMENTS. 


Section 1. In all matters not covered by these rules, Synod shail 
be governed in its proceedings by “The General Rules of Judicatories” 
as adopted by General Assembly, and by ‘‘Robert’s Rules of Order.” 


Section 2. These rules may be amended by majority vote at any 
regular meeting of Synod on recommendation of tre Synodical Coun- 


Section 2. The Stated, Permanent and Temporary Clerks shall 
cil, or by a two third vote of the members of the Synod when not 
so recommended. 


fe N\ oy ® 


PRESBY'TERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA, 119 


SOME PRINCIPLES OF PRESBYTERIAN 
GOVERNMENT 


1. A Presbyterian church is composed of all those who have vol- 
untarily professed their faith in Christ and been received by the Ses- 
sion together with their baptized children. 


2. The officers are practically of four classes, Pastor, Elders, 
Deacons and Trustees; all of whom are elected by the congregation. 


3. The Session is composed of the Pastor and ruling Elders, 
and is the only body having power to receive and dismiss members. 


4. It is the duty of the Session to have oversight of the members 
of the church, seeing to it that both in their public and private lives 
they give evidence of an honest effort to follow Christ. 


5. The Session has full executive control of the church in alli its 
spiritual work so that no society or organization may be effected 
without its consent, or operated contrary to its advice. 


6. The Pastor has control of all the religious services of the 
church, and is responsible for all that pertains to its teachings and 
public worship. 


Duties of Members. 


1. To attend all the regular services of the church at all times, 
unless prevented by some reason which they can conscientiously 
give to their Master. 


2. To contribute of their means to the support of the church 
in its various lines of work in such amount as they conscientiously 
believe will be pleasing to their Master. 


3. To take up and carry forward such work as the Session of 
the Church may assign to them, unless prevented by some reason 
which they can conscientiously give to their Master. 


4. Any member removing to another locality should at the same 
time.take a letter to the church w'thin whose bounds they may be 
most conveniently and desirably located. 


5. Any person once becoming a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, is under the jurisdiction of the Session of that church until 
by the act of that Session their names are dropped from the roll or 
they are dismissed to and received by another church. 


120 THEIHISTORY£© baa is 
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY VETERANS. 


i 
A 


Pos ‘ 
MB 
ea 





“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” 


Rev. John Henry Carpenter. 

The Rev. John Henry Carpenter, Ph.D., D.D., was born in Troy, 
New York August 26, 1835. He graduated from Carroll College in 
1858. Spending two years in the Priuceton Theological Seminary, 
going from there to McCormick, which had just been organized in 
Chicago, graduating in 1861. He took a post-graduate course at 
Princeton the following year. During the summer vacation of 1859, 
he organized Sunday schools in Coos Co., N. H.. under the auspices 
of the American Sunday School Union. Following the custom ofstu- 
dent ministers, Dr. Carpenter was licensed to preach the Gospel by 
the Presbytery of W’nnebago, Portage, Wis., May tenth, 1860. He 
supplied several pulpits before his ordination in Horicon ‘n 1862, 
where he began his pastoral work. During the Civil War he served 
with the United States Christian Commiss’on in lower Mississippi. 
He has served as pastor in Wisconsin, Illinois. Ohio, Minnesota, 
and Iowa. Dr. Carpenter received the degree of Doctor of Philos- 
ophy and that of Doctor of Divinity from Omaha Univers’ty, Omaha. 
(His Ph.D. in 1891 and D.D. in 1894). 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 121 





Rev. John H. Carpenter. Mrs. John H. Carpenter. 


On November twenty-second, 1862, Miss Hattie A. Nicholson 
and the Rev. John Henry Carpenter were married at Horicon, Wis- 
consin. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. John A. Savage, 
D.D., president of the Carrcll College, Waukesha, Wiscons’n. Dr. 
and Mrs. Carpenter came to Lincoln, Nebraska sixteen years ago, 
on Nov. 1, 1908, after he had resigned from his last active pastorate. 
Since coming to Nebraska, he has supplied nearly every church in 
the Presbytery of Nebraska City as well as preaching in many other 
churches in the Synod. 

Mrs. Carpenter was born in Wall’ngford, Vt., June twenty-sec- 
ond, 1840, and with her husband still inaintains the Home Center of 
Happy Married Life going on sixty-two years. They have a mar- 
ried son, Dr. George H. Carpenter, living in Chicago, and another son, 
N. B. Carpenter, whose home is in Counc Bluffs, Iowa. 

Mrs. Alona C. Little, living in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a daughter. 

Sixty-two years ago is a good share of life. It was then when 
Abraham Lincoln was President. Dr. Carpenter was outside the 
wigwam when Mr. Lincoln was nom‘nated and shook his hand at a 
reception given him at the Tremont Hotel. The Civil War was not 
half over. There were no gasoline vehicles of any kind. There were 
no electric street railways. During these years, monarchies have ris- 
en and fallen. Republics have taken ther place, towns have been 
razed and built again, the country has participated in two wars, poles 


122 THE HISTORYSOnsI HE 


have been discovered, life has been revolutionized. Flying machines 
now soar above the clouds. Telephones, talking machines and radio 
are the latest discoveries prompting the invention of devices that have 
made the most remote nations our neighbors, who are now within 
hearing distance. During all this time this couple has gone serenely 
on, doing the duty lying nearest. Accepting the new things in their 
life without question and with great faith in God that all is for the 
advancement of the great Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Even at 
this writing, Dr. Carpenter responds to invitations to supply pulpits 
and never hesitates to avail himself of the opportunity to hold high 
the Risen Christ. 





Rev. John Merrill Caldwell, D.D. 


The Rev. John Merrili Caldwell, D. D., was born August 29th, 
1839 at Rockland, Maine. He received his diploma of graduation from 
the Wesleyan University of Connecticut in 1862, after which he spent 
five months abroad in Egypt and the Ho!y Land. He was licensed 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 123 


to preach the Gospel in March 1862, by the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and ordained to the Gospel Ministry in 1865 by Bishop Baker. 
The degrees of A.B., A.M., and Doctor of Divinity were conferred 
upon Rev. Caldweil by the Wesleyan Universiyt and Union College, 
Ohio. He was the President of the Mount Morris College from 1867 
to 1869, Mount Morris, Illinois. He was appointed as presiding elder 
from October 1881 to 1884 when the limit for that office was four 
years. After serving the Methodist church forty years Dr. Caldwell 
came to the State of Nebraska where he was received in the Pres- 
bytery of Niobrara. In 1907 he accepted a call to the Coleridge 
church. In 1910 he was called to Valentine where he served one 
year, then accepting a call from the Wakefield church. In 1914 Dr. 
Caldwell found it necessary to go to California because of his wife’s 
precarious health condition, where she lived but a short time, when 
she answered the summons of her Savior, While in San Francisco, 
Cal., Dr. Caldwell supplied the Westminster church until 1920 when 
he returned to Nebraska rendering supply work one year at Nelson, 
and two years at Valent'ne. Our Anniversary Veteran has had a 
unique experience. He has had ten calls since his seventieth birth- 
day anniversary and two since being eighty years of age. On the 
twenty ninth day of next August (1924) Dr. Caldwell will be eighty- 
five years of age. 

Three uncles, three cousins, an only brother, son and father have 
been min‘sters in the Methodist Episcopal, Congregation\and Pres- 
byterian churches. Dr. Caldwell is at the present time in the Marion 
Home, Newton, N. J. 


Rev. Edward Halsey Sayre. 


The Rev. Edward Halsey Sayre, of Gering, Nebraska, was born 
November twenty-first, 1838, at Southampton, New York. He grad- 
uated from Amherst College. and from the Princeton Seminary in 
1862. Rev. Sayre was licensed April tenth, 1861, by the Presbytery of 
Long Island, and ordained July fifteenth. 1862 by the named Presby- 
tery. He rendered his first service on the fore‘gn field in India for 
seven years up to December, 1869, and spent the summer of 1870 at 
Southampton, New York. He then supplied the pulpits of several 
churches in Minnesota, then coming to Iowa in 1876 where he sup- 
plied the pulpits of Northwood, Lime Springs and Clarksville. Leav- 
ing Iowa for Illino’s in 1884 he preached at Garden Plain, Newton, 
and New Salem. After having rendered service in various churches 
in Brooklyn and adjacent points, Rev. Sayre came to Nebraska where 
his time was occunied in preaching as a pioneer miss‘onary in Wyo- 
ming and western Nebraska, preaching in school houses and gather- 


124 Pi beni SCO RVeO tert 


ing the immigrants and forming new church organizations, from 1897 
to 1914, Since the last named year Rev. Sayre has lent his service 
whenever and wherever called to do so, Since Mrs. Sayre was called 
to her celestial home, the Honored Veteran has been looking forward 
to the coming of his Master and has many times said, ‘For I am in 
a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; 
which is far better.” 





Rev. Edward Halsey Sayer. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 125 


Nercrologircal. 





“Well done, thou good and faithful servant — — 
enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” 


126 DHitvH (Ss DOR YR ORSr EE 


At &rat. 


aad 


“From all the saints who from their labors rest, 
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, 


Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia. 


Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress, and their Might; 
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight; 


Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light. Alleluia. 


O, may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, 
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, 


And w'n with them the victor’s crown of gold. Alleluia. 


O blest communion, fellowskip Divine! 
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; 


Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia. 


And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, 
Steals on the ear the distant triumph-song, 


And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia. 


The golden evening bightens in the west; 
Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest; 


Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest. Alleluia. 


But lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day; 
The saints triumphant rise in bright array; 


The King of Glory passes on His way. Alleluia. 


From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, 
Through gates of pearl streams in the countiess host, 
Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Alleluia!” 

By Bishop William How, 1864. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. wy 


LIST OF MINISTERS DECEASED. 


Name Born Ordained Deceased 
FGVEEENIG LO Oem LOD 11S Onl eereners eee eee tenes ee eee nee ee eee 1876 
GEE OTC Came Lait tee reteetente a ceetee eRe a at tg A pelea be SL Tho. ‘1883 
aoe eM Va LHICL CIRM CLD IVC IES TY a tea camtas Ae peter can an ged erent hectic 1884 
Invenys, Jioabal ADAGGM OE oo seyee dos Lee TSO ee INNES Sa lta ae See 
Rome OLIN IM os PECDICS fagate Fret ayn ote net L865 ens eee Jul. 30, 1887 
IRvengs Spec Tel, ABavovmnyoyonn soe ese ey en LSS See eee Apr. 9, 1887 
Rev. Alvin M. Dixon, D.D, Sep. 24, 180)... UNSVS peace Se Deceel lassi 
IRueiy., JARICARICNM RC) Sop Mehoha Vale) vez on. Jase, Ree teen at easy ee hee Bee ee Oe 1888 
Rev pias Wirioh? tyke jE s3 Me ee donee eee ek te ee Nov. 30, 1888 
cveme atte lei Kote pines eee eee 1S 2 eevee per ee Dec. 24, 1888 
ENG. Vem | SEO LL O.@ Clip tte. kee eet Dale cee ee i Ne Ee es Seek Jul. 2, 1890 
Resa ED lis ame Vinee Be vas + 1) 1) aes ce eee eee WAS ace Jhcdl, eh, AES 
Re vem Vinton blatmilton oA io eel ye 18 1der eee Oct. 1837 Sep. 18, 1891 
GNA LOT ALS tye IL erect ae Sie yah es eet ete sae ee 1892 
Rev. George W. Newell, .. Nov. 7, 1813.....--..... 13459 ee Aug. 16, 1893 
IReeny,, EMlenmiscoya AR, Wixexexeh, Se Ole, BE, WRG ar 1369 eee Mch, 11, 1894 
Revere lista re, Chester an IS 0 Geert eee eS Nov. 27, 1893 
Pewee eisai eri tio [): Td. te Meat ee enh wee ae I ye od Ee Oe 1894 
[ong UOT ID, VERON igesig aces pak ee Oe geen eee een eater. Ae eS 1894 
Neve Georce Ss eNicGomb ea ocps 6. 1s 14a abexeyh foo peer oss Nov. 8, 1894 
Inear, 1Dehiaidl MVE Vetere Lol eae aX pacek eos oe ee ake . June 26, 1896 
Rey sewise) eSSupi soc IMA BO), seals ces. No. 19, 1851.Feb. 5, 1896 
Neg Outta Det Kine Sane ae May 237 188Ga-e 1302 eee Sep. 23, 1898 
Rev. Edward L. Dodder ... Aug: 28, 1826........ Oct-77, 1856. July 14, 1898 
heme ohnngA + Bardill..2.. Jiesa, iN, Te TUBWASS Geese Nov. 24, 1898 
evamOlinn Gas chelble: sss el BO (Neem eee ce Scie June 14, 1898 
Rev George (W.- Goodale: Ut: 1.831 oa, 1B Seat Bs Sep. 28, 1899 
RevemlostatevWcbherriin 22.22 [SSCS ees Sere 2 June 11, 1899 
Rewetoomas A. Hamilton 4.A pr., 1830.2 Oc. 29, 1866. Mr. 13, 1899 
Ion, lava A, 1EvoNerelke ye yee Ome @ USO. Dec. 3, 1878.Sep. 21, 1899 
Prigwe vOpenme es EatteTgon «8a, on a oe ee Feb. 24, 1899 
Rev. William Willett Harsha, D.D., : 

|b 8 ie eee ee eae May 23, 1821... Apr. 1846...June 4, 1900 
Rev. William Brittenden Axer ................ 
Reveal wesiiey, M.D: +Sep, 21,.1831...... iW AU Sess Nov. 11, 1900 

SN ie neces See ee Jatigal9y 1862.05 VA pte-20..1892,Sép..1.91901 
Revaeawaliam VW. Jones Ss. 32 Onder he estas Oct e127 1901 
Pere Anse HEC On e MONTCOMET yesers i. Sokal a: 
Reever iaitecmiun (sta vesic tet. Oe nye i ee aS Nev. 20, 1902 
Revert, A, Giltger, DD ¥e Jan-30,. 1897... May 21, 1855.Ap. 7, 1903 


Fe ee OLIN EaITO1Ne. ohOaTl ee ies hse thi oe Pek ee ee May 24, 1903 
Diemimtiaticce Ri Cep een e pee fos Mee a Os ie Oe June 8, 1903 


THECHISTORY: OF sEHE 


Rev. Jacob Liesveld =....2- Aug. 4, 1822 
Reva Enos ila Da vies. eer ee 
ieee, WwWoiltienan AP. lesen ooo 1857 
Rev. Alexander G. Wilson, D.D. .... 1836 
INK Nepse We Jal incvert Ce 1840 
Reva Olina bat one Vici wit ciameeeenennen 1835 
RevaavViliiame Wack eyes) evict eeeeeerrn ees 

SER Bn welt Be a gen Ae (Over, i, Teste 
Iex A WiNinot, 1eyeriny 1eXeK al. a 1833 
Reve ameseDinsniores inserts) Danese 

Beet ers Se ese ter ay eoe Nov, 28, 1839 
Rev. William M. Baird ........ Octal sil 
Rev. David W. Rosencrans -........... 1827 
Kev, William Nichol eee 1837 
RevasOshiiam Ame 1a cues eeeenee 1831 
Rev, Joseph, HenryaMarshallm 2 
Reve JohatNe Hicks. ee Apr. 2, 1831 
Rev. W. Alexander Pollock .Nov. 2, 1825 
Reva Natta tters of a 1842 
Rev. James D. Sweeney, ....Dec. 13, 1874 


Rev. Frederick W. Witte ... June 9, 1827 
Rev. August Reibert -........... Feb. 12, 1850 
Reva onne is Baird): Dees ecusu sce 
Rev. George Williams, D.D. .Jan. 8, 1834 
Reve Williiain ete seb asceet ieee eee 
Rev. Maynard O. Reynolds, .Feb. 2, 1876 
Rev. Joseph Wittenberger Mch. 5, 1846 
Reeve, holon IL, Iemma Aug. 28, 1829 
Rev. Newell S. Lowrie ....... Jan, 28, 1832 
Rev ohn vk ePunkis 2 Aug. 13, 1848 
Reve Robert Me*L. Braden. bal) ee 1) 

bk) POs Ween ae Mch, 18, 1849 
Rev. John McC, McDonald .Sep. 15, 1833 
Reve. Prancis at hompsone eee ee ee 
Reve We Os rlaseerty ease Feb. 11, 1838 
Rev. Frank P. Wigton ...... Dec. 26, 1853 
Revy> fon Gilmore/=. 2.4 Oct 25. 1836 
Rev. M. B. Lowrie, D.D. .... Apr. 10, 1844 
Reve Ernstebs pantcieee eee oat 1868 
Rév.- Lacas. A beletiee dere Dec. 17, 1851 
Rev. AlexssCorkey,4D.D- 22 Oct37, 1871 
Rev. Jacob Brinkema ........ Mch. 2, 1836 
Rev. Charles W. Frye ........ Ochasave7 
S. on Missionary: WoW Scott ee, 


Fe oamuel: Cony beater. Deas 


SAID «rah ty op Ma ta July 7, 1903 
Be re cae ee Aug. 18, 1903 
Nohese eter ee eer eae Dec. 9, 1903 
Sheri as nec e R Ply Aik May 4, 1904 
Re life e Nov. 11,-1904 
Sa ee eee et Dec. 2, 1904 
Sesee Oct. 21, 1885 Dec. 9, 1905 
NCW tote eT eee Feb. 11, 1995 
= July 1864....Feb. 18, 1906 
Fo tk Oc. 16, 1899.jan.. 15, 1907 
SO ND Ney Be Mar. 8, 1907 
eats Aug. 10 1886.Ap. 14, 1907 
en 137512. lune eo eoon 
darter. Weis) eel fibhoKe aly, IYO 
cree Au. 26 1866.Sep. 27 1908 
bate Nov. 1858....Jan. 11, 1908 
ek 1879 .22.. Aug 171909 
Eebests May 3, 1901..Jul. 1, 1909 
ee Aug, 1873....Dec. 13, 1908 
me 1881-242. 3 Apr e4eetg09 
ewes Jun. 27, 1865.F eb. 1,°1970 
ee ee eee July 5, 1910 
EM cys tt 2 thase, Meee Jan. 22, 1910 
meee we 188 Ose ol Oem OT() 
ii ee roe See Oct. 14, 1910 
pees IRS AUE eee, Niobe ahem 

OC, PE WSS. Mie. 12, 1912 
tid Ap. 23, 1872.Nov. 2, 1912 
ee ae 187902 NOV SG tone 
Sivie: Jun. 27 1866.May 15 1913 
Stake ee eee June 3, 1913 
ee eas Oc. 1, 1864..Nov. 11, 1913 
sass 1895 NOW el One: 
aes Jun. 19, 1866.No. 12, 1914 
pes 1868 7.20... 5 May) 15y aes 
teres Eee eC ae Jul. 28, 1915 
= wen) Ap. 23, 1874.Sep. 12, 1915 
meetin. O90 poets nee Oct. 28, 1914 
mes Oct. 187) Octpalovetags 
ee: M’y .16 1905.May 11 1916 
fore 2 eee AE a She Pe June 1916 
ce Jun. 12, 1888-..Jan, 1917 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 


Ieee. IRR 1D)» le GaVSes ADDS coe ek ae a ae Dec 
Aas OmLo02.eDano: 


Rev. Nels C. Robinson ....Feb. 14, 


Ikeny, Jf, Wialllievee ILeyAietin —c/eWien ae) abit be ee Oyste, 1163, 
Rev. Joseph J. Lampe, D,D., Ph.D... 

Soe ety eee otic, WER Th, USB TOXet, TR. a PAU) 
eae, Iolo Wy, Teh INO, PO, TER... Ap. 1889 ....May 5, 
Iker. [folotn Ish, IWMlcopatwexaranenaie 5 Wiles 2h, SUSY oe oe hee Nitkyvaros 
Oriinelies\ennerw Lh.) eee ines mel S sue Supt. Chris, Ed..Jn. 
Tena erie iyil lee see Soy ial, Wee Siena May 29 
IvevaavWVilleameVWeslawrence, D.Ds 

see ae Pertenece INOve 9s 18625222 June 12 1920) Sep; 30 
Rev. George A. Beith ....... June 9, .1837-_....... Jn. 16, 1908.Aug. 13, 
Rev. James B. Butter ..... .. Webby, Bil, Tee 5. WSUS @Octwie 
Teveratesmer as (sChrett el) ieee set Sep Oe LS tinec aes 
Rev. Thos. L. Sexton, D.D. Mch. 29, 1839... May 9, 1872..No. 29, 
FVevemelin Gs iow El Untetees 1) 51) en cceence eee 

Oe i ts el ARS INfony, Tse ibis ME Ce Ae, eh 
Teer Vie Gen SAW Cot A ht Of) rc te, worse eB e eee nens Sar Searataeobactas Apr. 23, 
Rev. Wm. H. Cooper ........ Vere, 10, Wee ey TUCWAS casey Aug. 26, 
Reeves werseye le) Cardy: som news. 187 Gus Sep. 14 1904.Feb. 17 
lve, Wath, Telenipisy Isami, IBID, oe 

srl ad pen IA IDSE, TE USCS eM cee IRS: 110), 


1848 





129 


1916 
1918 
1918 


1920 
1920 
1920 
1920 


PAS ANS PA 


1921 
1922 
1922 
1922 


1922 





An €Exhortation to Christian Loyaltu. 
tm 


“O come, let us worship and bow down; 
Let us kneel before God our Maker,” 
At church next Sunday. 


If each knew the other as he should, 
It would forge the chain of brotherhood. 
We would greet each other on the street, 
And all come out and be glad to meet, 

At church next Sunday. 


You may think you are doing your best, 

And feel even better than the rest, 

But your neighbor does not understand, 

Why a Christian should not be on hand, 
At church next Sunday. 


This world is surely a busy place, 

A constant rush, a continuous race. 

From numerous cares some are not free, 

But none so bound that he cannot be, 
At church next Sunday. 


We have an interest in our town, 

The dear old place must never go down, 

We should disapprove all that is wrong, 

And help the great mission work along, 
At church next Sunday. 


Loyal to our Master we must be, 

Adoring God: Holy Trinity. 

In faith to the blood of Christ we look, 

Preached to us from the inspired Book, 
At church next Sunday. 


When all our labors and trials are o’er, 
When the present time is ours no more, 
And the past has fixed our future state, 
Can then we truly say at heav’n’s gate, 
Lord, love sought thy way 
At church each Sunday? 


JSESS: 


CONTENTS AND INDEX. 


CHAPTER III. 


CHURCHES ORGANIZED FIFTY YEARS AGO. 


Name of Church Organized Page 
TENA (e206 big ey ee ee ee ee yee on ete 1S ee 174 
Beaver G1 ty see stern eee eer S saeseuees US4 les hah scessoies eee 203 
Bellewiued 2o cesses eee ee ee eee 1855 wet eee 135 
BeGat ri Ce a yee cee ree ee eee ne ee eee 17 te oe Ibi! 
iBikevelrdoyberal VaRMU . ee get es eee 18 5a 2 ee 38 
Centrale Crt yc ee eee eee eee oe TB 2 8b See eee 178 
(Colksimmeuis Ieckemeneil . tee L8¥Oiitnne eee 169 
Decatur ce sare eee ee diy Gi eee eee erie nt 168 
Matgini@ ite Heceta tec mmeestsnaeana eee eeeeeeae L8G. ..cee ee eee 180 
Ea ED Ur yee ee ae eee a eee LB 2 zcacec cate geese ee eee ere 182 
Fall stuGit ya ecco eee ee ee ee ee 18722. ae Se ee eee 186 
Hlorencey Wagela one oh ee ee T8562. 2 eee 141 
rer Onit Westen pacer ee ee ee 187.312 eee ee 194 
Gib DO lm pa Ma ee eae fe A See DE a 1872.55.55 aero es 

Grand = island! Se 2 2s ee eee a Ne pee ier A ee mm 154 
ELrcheonia ip eee ee ee ies ae eer Loe 1870 Ses ee eee 204 
Hopewell (ite en See eee oe 1B74e) coe 202 
Flam bold tes ae Oe ee ee ee ee VS Oi se 166 
Fl astino:s Sees eae ee ne ee ee TSU Siok. 222 191 
Kearney. -.ee Se eee one, 2 ee eee ree US T3822 ee eee 196 
[yon tes 3 sh Ae eee ee eee L868. 25. Se eee 149 
Mia diS.0 tie ss: a, eee eee eee eee Roy dl eestor teeta im | es 8k 156 
Marietta: Sy Sidi Pe tee ene eee 1872: 0.23 ee 159 
Nebraskay City =0 4 ee eee eee 1855. ees ee 133 
Papillion "235.3 eee ee 199405 ae 201 
Pawnee: City cos ee eee 186 6isacc ee 145 
Plattsmoutha =. eee ee eee LS 5Sue 8 2c eS 143 
PON Cals oret eocee eee et AS TOt. 2h ee ee 157 
Schtyler: 4. e in ee eee eee 1869.20 5. ee 156 
Seward. weet eee ee ee ee ne ee 182s Lee eee 146 
Tecumseh weitere oie a eevee ee IS 72. te ee ee 158 
‘Pekamahor ee See ee ee eee 1869.28 38 Be Bee 152 
Wahoos eee eee eee eee 1874.0. 42S 198 
'W 00d sRivet ic et eevee etn cere 1872.0. 2 eee 173 
MOrk” Seuss nie then Vind me we ema ee ae 18725. 22 ee 188 


*Missing, 


CHAPTER HE 


CHURCHES ORGANIZED FIFTY YEARS AGO. 


Presbyterianism in Nebraska City. 
(1855) 


On August the tenth, 1855, Rev. H. M. Giltner began his labors 
as a missionary of the Presbyterian Church in Nebraska City. In the 


fall of this year, a sufficient number of people had signified ther wil- 
lingness to join an organization, and accordingly a church known as 
the “First Presbyterian Church of Nebraska City” was established. 


ea auwart, ¥ 





First Church Edifice, Nebraska City. 


The Rey. Giltner was assisted ‘n the opening exercises on November 
1, by Rev. L. G. Bell, of Sidney, Iowa. The constituent members of 
the church were D. F. Jackson and wife; Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Hall; 
Mrs. Harriet Anderson, Mrs. Mary Cowles, Mrs. Catherine Cowles, 
Miss Marie J. Martin, Solomon Martin, David Martin, W. S. Van 
Doren, Dr. J. C. Campbell, Miss Emily Lorton, Mss Nancy Pearman, 
Mrs, S. E. Giltner. 


The first accession to the church recorded is found under date of 
May 22, 1856, and was followed at frequent intervals by others, prin- 





cipally by letters from eastern churches, 


134 THE HISTORY OF THE 


At the first election of Ruling Elders, June 23, of the same year, 
W. B. Hall and William Buchanan were chosen, their names appear 
interwoven with the church history for several years thereafter, 


On the resignation of H. M. Giltner, in April, 1864, the church 
called Rev. James W. Clark as a Stated Supply for one year. He was 
succeeded by Rev. J. Calvin Elliott, who after supplying the church 
a year became its pastor June tenth, 1867, continuing in the pastorate 
to September 19, 1869. He was followed by Rev. J. D. Kerr, who as- 
sumed the pastorate in October, 1870, and held that position until 
1877. From December 1877, Rev. J. W. Dullas supplied the pulpit 
six months, yielding to Rev. C. M. Cate, who remained in this pas- 
torate from September 1878, till September 1879. Rev. Robert W. 
Cleland, of Kentucky, was then installed. At this time the Ruling 
Elders in office were W. Buchanan, O. W. Parker, George M. Brink- 
er, L. F. Cornutt, W. W. Smith and N. S. Harding. 


Pastors serving this church since 1879 were: 


Rev. L. D. Wells from 1882-1884, 

Rev. C. D. Jeffries, 1884-1886, 

Rev. Theodore Hunter, 1866-1887, 

Revs Thomas kK) Hunter D.19591987-1895" 
Rev. E. T. Fleming, 1896-1898, 

Rev. T. W. Leard, 1899-1904, 

Rev. L. G. Leggett, 1904-1907, 

Rev. Arthur E, Perry, 1908-1820, 

Rev. L. R. Patton, 1920-1924, 

Rev. Ona H. Campbell, 1924- 


The first church edifice was erected in 1857, and was rated the 
finest structure of the class then in the Territory. The congregation 
is today in the possess'‘on of a church edifice valued at $15,000,4 a 
manse worth $4,500. and other church property amounting to $4,200. 
The present enrollment of church members is 241 with 150 in the Sab- 
bath school. Enrollment in the men’s organization is 30, in the Wom- 
an’s Society 15, Young Ladies’ Guild, 40, and the Women’s Mission- 
ary Society, 15. 





The personnel of the Session at the present is made up of W. A. 
Cotton, S. S. Wilson, M. L. Crandell, D. K. Schmuke, James Welch 
and D. G. McAlister. 

The Cumberland Presbyterian church was organized on July 
16, 1865, by Rev. C. B. Hodges. Shortly after the organization of the 
Society five elders, J. A. Lobb, W. W. Owen, Alexander Magers, 
W. L. Boydstone and J. J. Berwick were elected. In August of the 
same year Rev. C. M. Love became the pastor of the church for a 
short time but was soon followed by Rev. C. B. Hodges. In the 
spring of 1866, Rev. R. S. Reed of Salem, Illinois, accepted a call 


PRESBY TERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 135 





The New Edifice, Nebraska City. 


from the church and became its pastor October 28, of the same year. 
It was at this time when they erected their house of worship at the 
corner of tenth and Laramie streets and dedicated with appropriate 
ceremonies in December 1867. After three years Rev. Reed resigned 
his position to become corresponding secretary of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church. This occurred in the fall of 1869, and Rev. 
Reed died the following year. Rev. Green of Kentucky was the pas- 
tor in 1869. 


History of the First Presbyterian Church, Bellevue, Nebr. 
(1855) 

Bellevue is a historic spot. In 1804, when Lewis and Clark made 
their expedition up the Missouri, by appointment of the U. S. Gov- 
ernment, to explore the Louisiana Purchase and to formulate some 
knowledge of it, one of their stopping places in what is now the State 
of Nebraska was Bellevue. The first white settlement in the ter- 
ritory was made here in 1810 by traders known as the American Fur 
Company, establish ng a trading post. An early name for the place 
was Fort Lissa or Lesa, but soon became known as Bellevue. Of 
course, in these earlier years, Indians were the chief population. 
Col. Peter A. Sarpy seems to have settled at Bellevue as early as 
1824, and became the distinguished Indian trader from whom Sarpy 
County took its name. 


*SI119UIIDS pue yoinyd) dNAV]][9QG 





PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. SHS 


In 1834, Rev. John Dunbar and Mr. Samuel Allis located a 
Presbyterian Mission at Bellevue among the Omaha Indians, In 
1846 Rev. Edward Kinney selected in Bellevue the site for the Paw- 
nee Mission and in 1847 began the mission building, which was com- 
pleted in 1848. This bu‘lding was on the lots now the site of Mr. 
Martin’s residence. Back of Mr. Martin’s residence may still be 
found a depression which was the cellar of the Mission, The build- 
ing was of logs, containing ten rooms. The well was dug between 
the two wings. In later years the building was weatherboarded and 
plastered. 

Rev. Wm. Hamilton, who was graduated at Washington College, 
Pa., after studying theology, came to Iowa in 1837 as a missionary to 
the Iowa Indians. In 1853 he was transferred by the Board of For- 
eign Missions to the mission to the Indians at Bellevue, and arrived 
here with h‘s wife and family June 6, 1853. 

After Mr. Hamilton’s coming, white settlers began to be more 
numerous and there were necessities for a church. In 1855, in May, 
a church was organized with James Allen as Elder. The number of 
members is not known. This was the first church organized in the 
State; the meetings were held in the m’ssion building. In 1856 the 
present church building was begun and the walls of stone and cement 
were erected that season. The building was completed the next 
year. Mr. Joseph S. Betz and Mr. A. Storrs laid the floor and made 
the seats in the spring of 1858, and got the building ready for use as 
a house of worship. The vestibule and tower were built a number 
of years later by Hon. H. T. Clarke. 

As to the organization of the church, there seems to have been a 
reorganization in 1858 on April 30. The occasion of this seems to 
have been some opposition fo the first elder—Mr. Allen—and he was 
not recognized in the reorganization, when Mr. Wm, McLaughlin 
was made Elder. 

The fact that time of the first organization are attested, not only 
by witnesses still living, among whom are the present elders, Joseph 
S. Betz and George S. Burtch, but by the early records of the or- 
iginal Synod and Presbytery. These records state that the church 
at Bellevue was organized in 1855 in the Mission building and that 
the church was erected in 1856, 


After the elders above mentioned, the next elders to be elected 
were Joseph S. Betz, Henry T. Clarke and Samuel Allis, who were 
elected on April 2, 1864. In 1884 J. C. Smith and S. J. Calhoun were 
elected elders. In 1888 George S. Burtch and H. B. McClosky were 
added to the eldership. The present session consists of ruling elders A. 
D. Short, John Williams, John Tideswell, John Frazeur, Allen Fra- 
zeur and Arthur Bachelder. 


138 THE, HISTORY OF THE 


The Rev. William Hamilton was the first pastor or stated supply 
and continued to be Moderator of the Session until 1866. Then Rev. 
M. Hughes was stated supply till 1870; then Rev. George L. Little 
until 1874; then for six months Rev. James R. Brown. Rev. Joshua 
Raile took charge September 1, 1875 and continued for four years. 
Then Alpha Wright began to serve the church November 1, 1879, and 
seems to have continued to 1884. Then followed Rev. William Mc- 
Candlish as an occasional supply. In 1884 Rev. W. W. Harsha, D.D., 
became the pastor and continued until 1888; then Rev. W. D. Mc- 
Farland served the church two years; followed by Rev. Wm. R. 
Henderson for a year and a half.. Rev. James D. Kerr accepted the 
call of the church and began labors December 1, 1891 and continued 
for four years. Rev. David R. Kerr, D.D., and Rev. Ernest A. Bell 
supplied the church until Rev. Charles A. Mitchell, Ph.D., took up 
the work October 1, 1896. Rev. Charles K. Hoyt supplied the pulpit 
from August 1, 1897 to 1898, when Dr. David R. Kerr returned and 
ministered to the church for a year. Pastors who have since oc- 
cupied the pulpit are: 

Rev. Stephen Phelps, D.D., 1899-1900, 

Rev. Charles K. Hoyt, 1900-1902, 

Rev. Frederick A. Gates, 1902-1904, 

Rev. Stephen Phelps, D.D., 1904-1916, 

Rev. Robert B. Raup, 1917-1919, 

Rev. Paul G. Luce, 1920-1921, 

Rev. C. H. Russell the present pastor, accepted a call in 1922. 

The church owns a tract of land one block long and half a block 
wide on which is located a modern manse and the orig'nal church 
edifice to which substantial addition has been made. It will ac- 
commodate about three hundred and fifty persons. 

In 1891 trustees were elected, and successors were elected at 
annual meetings each year thereafter, held the first Wednesday of 
December. 

From Bellevue as a center radiated lines of miss‘onary activity, 
which reached to Plattsmouth and Nebraska City, on the south, and 
to the Omaha village; Florence and DeSoto on the north. Steam- 
ers visited these places regularly, an extensive fur trade was carried 
on between these towns and Sioux City, Iowa, and the missionaries 
used the river boats as a mode of travel. 


Blackbird Hill Presbyterian Church at Macy. Nebr, 


In the year 1855 the Omaha Indian tribe was removed to a re- 
serve eighty miles north of Omaha and thirty miles south of Sioux 
City, Iowa, along the Missouri River.! This reservation is ap- 
proximately twenty miles long and twelve miles wide and inhabited 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA, 139 


by about 1,400 Indians, occupying their allotted farms. This con- 
stitutes the field known as Blackbird Hill Presbyterian church. The 
church is located at the Government Agency called Macy, which is 
nine miles east of Walthill, the nearest railroad town. on the Burling- 
ton road. In 1856 at a beautiful spot on the named reservation, now 
Thurston County, Nebraska, the Rev. William Hamilton built a 
miss‘on building. This mission school he visited once a year or 
oftener, during the time he lived in Bellevue. In the spring of 1867 
he removed to this place, and taking full charge, maintained the 
boarding school in a flourishing condition. 





Blackbird Hills Presbyterian Church, Macy, Nebr., 
Where the Indians Worship. 


A church was organized and maintained, many members being 
received, so that in 1884 only four churches in the Presbytery of 
Omaha had a larger membership than the Indian church at Black- 
bird Hill. 

In the autumn of 1880, Father Hamilton, (as he was called by 
the Indians) left the Mission and removed with his family to Decatur. 
Quoting his own words, he said, “I live in Decatur, a town adjoining 
the Omaha Reserve, and am near my Ind'‘ans who will not go to the 
mission. As I go from house to house to read a portion of God’s 
Word, and sing and pray with them in their tongue, giving such in- 
structions as I am able, I have to travel from fifteen to thirty miles 
a day, and talk and read and sing as much as would be equal to 
preaching three or four times on the Sabbath. And I spend all 
the time I can get in the study of the language, in translating and re- 
vising, and whatever else may be necessary for my work, I enjoy 


140 THE HISTORY OF THE 


my work and expect to spend the remainder of my Wiieran it-"ea ts 
wish was that he “might die in the harness,” which was granted. He 
departed this life September seventeenth, 1891, by a stroke of par- 
alysis, being more than eighty years of age. 

Father Hamilton was born in Pennsylvania and was the young- 
est of eleven children, all of whom, with one exception, lived to a 
ripe old age. His father was killed by the Indians while he was 
at work on his farm, yet the Indians had no warmer friend than his 
father. In 1868 Rev. Father Hamilton’s wife was thrown from a 
buggy and fatally injured, dying after a few days. Of four children 
the only son, William W. Hamilton, survives. 

In September, 1869, Father Hamilton married his second wife, 
Miss Etta D. Hunting, daughter of Deacon John Hunting, of East 
Corinth, Maine, To this union two daughters were born. Lottie and 
Juliette and a son John, who with the widowed mother survive. 


Rev. Father Hamilton was succeeded by Rev. Jopley. Rev. W. A. 
Galt, Rev. Findley and Rev. George A. Beith. When Rev. Beith and 
his wife accepted the commission to take charge of this congregation 
they first lived in a little cottage which was not suited for a manse. 
Near the church was a larger residence which had been built by the 
Government for the Agent’s home. Through the influence of Rev. 
Be'th the Indian Department at Washington, D. C., executed papers 
to have this building sect aside for the use of the missionary 


The capacity of the church being too small for the congregation, 
Rev. Beith set to work to raise the building and put in a basement, 
installed a furnace. Then he built an addition of twenty by twenty 
feet. Remodeled and repainted both inside and out side. Put in a 
new light plant costing $150 purchased a new organ and pulpit 
furniture. The Indians became interested and paid the bills for new 
art glass windows. In all about $2,500 were spent for improvements, 
the larger part of wliich was given by the Indians. Rev. and Mrs. 
Beith succeeded in gctting the Department to grant an allotment 
of ten acres of ground for the use of the mission. This was used as 
an experiment field. A small piece of alfalfa was sown, which led 
the Indians to put in larger field of the seed. 


The Second Presbyter’an church of Carlisle, Pa., furnished the 
money to engage a helper for whom a home was provided just across 
the road from the manse. Rev. and Mrs. Beith discovered that they 
had overtaxed themselves in the endeavor to meet what they hoped 
to accomplish and were compelled to yield the field and accepted a 
call to the Winnebago Presbyterian church in 1917. The Rev. J. J. 
Britell was the immediate successor and served the church until 1920, 
at which time the present pastor, Rev. Robert McElwee accepted the 
charge. The church has e’ghty enrolled communicants and a Sabbath 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA: 141 


school of forty. There are twenty-five members in the Ladies Mis- 
sionary Society. The church property, including manse, church e- 
quipment and the interpreter’s house has a valuation of almost $8,000. 

The names of the Ruling Elders composing the present session 
are Levi Levering, Hi. Walker, Dan Walker and Thomas McCauley. 

No man can measure the fruits of the untiring efforts of these 
faithful missionaries; eternity alone will reveal them all. The general 
effect upon the tribes has been wonderful. A great many of the 
tribe have been educated and Christian‘zed. 


Presbyterian Church, Florence, Nebraska. 


(1856) 


From Bellevue as a center radiated lines of missionary activity, 
which reached to Plattsmouth and Nebraska City on the south and 
to Omaha village, Florence and DeSoto on the north. A mission 
was started at Florence—the largest city in Nebraska at that time— 
and at Omaha village. In the spring of 1856 the Rev. Eben Blachly 
moved to Florence from Lodi, Wisconsin, and a church was organ- 
ized with flity members. 








First Presbyterian Church, Florence. 


No church building was provided, but the little band worshiped 
at the homes of the members and in such buildings as could be pro- 
cured. Many ministers served the church during its early history. 


142 THEsHIS TORY. OF shri 


One in particular might be mentioned, the Rey. Simeon Peck, wiio 
lived in Florence eighteen years, but who had charge of the work 
in Florence, Louisville, Bellevue, Sioux City, Nebraska and Clarinda, 
Iowa, for twelve years, when he was honorably retired from act:ve 
service on account of advanced age. From 1874 to 1895 there was 
little reported and the work was almost abandoned by the Presby- 
tery. 

On March fourth, 1895, the church was reorganized with ten 
members. They worshiped in the City Hall until November four- 
teenth, 1897, when the First Presbyterian Church of Florence was 
dedicated. The charter members were Charles G. Carlson and Mrs. 
Carlson, Mrs. Lizzie Reynolds, Mrs. Annie Neilds, Miss Mary Neilds, 
Mrs. Maria Archerd, Mrs. Lizzie Eastman, Warren Eastman, William 
R. Lichtman, Jr., and Mrs. Laura Lightman. Other members who 
faithfully bore the burden of the church’s early struggles are Mrs. 
Lizzie Reynolds-Griffith, Mrs. Thomas Price, Mrs. Prudence Tracy- 
Wedge, Mrs. J. P. Brown, Mrs. James Kindred and Mrs. Troed 
Swanson. 

The following ministers have served this church: 

Rev. Eben Blachly, 1856. 

Rev. A. S. Blingsly, 1857. 

Rev. G. P. Bergen, 1858. 

Rev. Simeon Peck, 1860. 

Rev. George D. Stewart, 1872-1874. 

After the reorganization in 1895 the following served the church: 

Rev. Warren F. Eastman, 1895. 

Rev. William Barnes Lower, 1895. 

Rev. Robert T. Graham, 1898. 

Rev. F. C. Phelps, 1900. 

Rev. Kenneth McInnes, 1901. 

Rev. M. A. Camp, 1902. 

Rev. James A. Clark, 1903, 

Reva Kesh Cardy 41904 

Rev. D. B. McLaughlin, 1905. 

Rev. James A. Slack, 1906, 

Rev. James Rayburn, 1907. 

Rev. William Amos, 1909. 

Rev. George Sloan, 1910. 

Rev. James B. Butter, 1911-1918. 

Dur'ng the pastorate of Rev. Butter the membership increased 
to one hundred and sixteen members. The church building was en- 
larged and beautified. New Sunday school rooms were built, the 
basement enlarged for class work, the auditorium redecorated, and 


a piano purchased. On January twenty-fourth, 1915, rededication ser- 
vices were held. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA, 143 


The Rev. Leonard R. Patton succeeded Rev. Butter in 1918 and 
accepted a call from the Nebraska City church in 1920. IeNie Leh, MANY 
Graham came on the field in 1920, He was succeeded by the present 
pastor, Rev. Albert B. Vanderlippe, Ph.D., in 1924. 

The Elders at the present time are: 

Charles G. Carlson, John J. Freytag, Will E. Thompson. 

The Trustees: 

Robert Cone, R. H. Olmsted, F. H. Allis, H. W. Harrington, 
Piao clelinich ap Vie renole: 

The Deacons: 

W. A. Yoder, T. P. Herskind, Will Steyer, James Kindred, Will 


Alexander, 


Plattsmouth Presbyterian Church. 
(1858) 

The Plattsmouth Presbyterian church was organized May 8th, 
1858, as the result of a wave of prayer that spread over the country, 
extending into the territory of Nebraska. Follow'ng a series of 
meetings, conducted by the Rev. Daniel Lawrence Hughes, this pio- 
neer missionary of southwest Iowa, organized the church with sixteen 
charter members, namely, Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Carmichael, Mr. 
John G. Hayes, Mr. J. Newton Wise, Mr. and Mrs, David Jardin, 
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Lauther, Mrs. Margaret Winchell, Mrs. Lucy 
J. Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Max- 
well, Mrs. Mary A, Walradt, and Mrs. Catherine McMaken. This was 
the fourth church organized in the territory of Nebraska. The church 
has been served by the following ministers: 

Rey. David Lawrence Hughes from 1858 to 1864. He added 49 
members, bringing the membership to 25. Mr. John K. Demarest, 
a licentiate, served the church during the summer of 1865. Also James 
Johnson Coale, another student, served the church during the sum- 
mer of 1866. Rev. William Hamilton, a missionary to the Omaha 
tribe of Indians, was pastor from 1866 to 1867. He added 19 members 
and left the church with a membership of 42. Rev. C. D. Roberts, a 
licentiate from West Virginia, served ihe church from 1867 to 1869. 
11 members were added leaving the membership 48, and a Sabbath 
school of 120. Rev. Daniel W. Cameron, was pastor from 1869 to 
1872. 35 members were added leaving a membership of 56. The Rev. 
William T. Bartle became pastor elect for the term between the years 
of 1872 and 1875. | The Rev. Dr. John T. Baird then became pastor 
and served the church for thirty years. Under his pastorate 368 mem- 
bers were added bringing the membership of the church up to 156, 
and the Sunday school to 149. Rev. Dr. James H. Salsbury, served 
the church from 1905 to 1909, raised a debt of $7,444 and added 109 


144 THE HISTORY OF THE 


members, bringing the total membership to 214. Rev. M. Wallace 
Lorimer supplied the church for 11 months in 1913. 9 members 
were added. Rev. Harry G. McClusky became pastor of the church 
in 1914. He is the present pastor and has added 260 members, leaving 
a net. total of 239. The Sabbath school has a membership of 214, 
and the young people’s society numbers 53. The woman’s mission- 
ary society has a membership of 27 members. In the last nine years 
the church has given to benevolences $5,855. 


| SUEEEEREEE TEESE 





First Church, Plattsmouth, Nebr. 


A school house first served the church as a place for services. 
A brick church was built where the Hotel Riley later was erected 
and gave service for thirty-three years. In 1889 the present structure 
was erected at a cost of $18,000, containing a pipe organ costing $1000, 

Rev. McClusky also ministers to the members ot the Cedar 
Creek church, which is about ten miles from Plattsmouth. 

The present Elders of Plattsmouth church are: S. S. Chase, 
C. A. Rawls, J. M. Robertson, D. B. Ebersole, Frank Shopp, Glenn 
Perry. 

The Trustees: Will Warga, D. C. Morgan, T. H. Pollock, John 
Gorder, Frank Cloidt, J. M. Holmes. 

The Deaconesses: Mrs. Frank Shopp, Mrs. John Wolff, Mrs. 
Si. Case, 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 145 
Pawnee City PreSbyterian Church. 
(1866) 


The Pawnee Presbyterian Church was organized July fifteenth, 
1866, by Rev. Henry M. Giltner and Luther Hoadley, as a Presby- 
terial Committee, with the following members: Joseph S. Woods, 
Mary Woods, Hugh Wright, W. F. Wright, Maggie Wright, Mrs. S. 
E. Giltner, Robert Kirkpatrick, Maragaret Kirkpatrick, Alexander 
Allen, Margaret Hanna, Eliza Lindsley, and Mary Taylor, Since 
Rey. Giltner’s incumbency, Rev. Andrew Herron, Rev. Mr. Chambers, 


Rev. G. W. Goodale, Rev. J. Baker, have successively occupied the 
pulpit. None of the ministers mentioned above were in the relation 
of pastor except Rev. Giltner. 





First Presbyterian Church, Pawnee City, Nebr. 


For many years the growth of the church was not encouraging, 
particularly after enough members were taken from the Pawnee City 
church to organize one at Summit, eight miles west, and another six 
miles south called Ebenezer. 

The Rev. Nthaniel Chestnut was installed in 1882, when the ses- 
sion was composed of the following Ruling Elders. G. W. Potts, 
BH? Fuller, D. C. Stratton, ‘W. C. Henry, and J. L. Edwards. The 
Trustees were D. D. Lee, E. S. McMaster, R, Holben, D. C. Stratton, 
ele dwatds: 


10 


146 THERE IS LO RYO bei fe 


Ministers who have been pastors and supplies since the resigna- 
tion of Rev. Chestnut in 1885 are: 

George Milton, from 1886-1887. 

J. W. Fulton, 1887-1892. 

Henry N. Dunning, 1892-1896. 

W. Roland Williams, 1897-1899. 

J. M. Campbell, 1900-1904. 

Allen R. Des Jardin, 1904-1907. 

Rudolph Caughy, 1907-1911. 

Hugh Roinson, 1911-1918. 

Paul C. Payne, 1919-1924. 

D. C. Stratton was elected Elder on September 2, 1871. 

The first church edifice was dedicated in 1872, at a cost of $1,200, 
situated then on the south side of the square. It was removed to 
its present location in 1877. At that time the entire property, includ- 
ing the manse, was valued at $3,000. At the present time the con- 
gregation owns a beautiful and modern equipped church, built in 
1886 and remodeled in 1905; also a manse with every modern con- 
venience, The total valuation of the church property is estimated at 
$25,000. 

The present officers of the church are: Ruling Elders, W. R. 
Smith, G. A. Harrington, A, Hy Latin, J, Cy Petréay Peter Denzel 
Wilson, Will’am Benz, L. W. Harrington and W. S. Potts 

Trustees: A. E. Benz, President, K. S. Wherry, Secretary, Mrs. 
A. B. Edee, J. F. Liebendorfer, J. H. Pyle, John S. Lowe and Mrs. 
ORR owe 

J. A. Petrea is superintendent of the Sabbath school. 

There are five societies: 


Women’s Missionary Society, ........ Mrs. D.-E. Wherry, Pres. 
Ladies Aid tSociety eee Mrs. Elizabeth Fuller, Pres. 
Junior ndeay ote eee Miss Bernice Wherry, Supt’d. 


Young People’s Society of C. E...Miss Bernice Wherry, Pres. 
Westminster Guild, Bessie Smith Chapter ..Mrs. M. B. Smith, 
President 

Dorcas® Glia pt fig sce ee ee ee Miss Mary French, Pres. 


Seward Presbyterian Church. 


The Presbyterian church of Seward, Nebraska, was organized 
July 25, 1868, by Dr. William McCandlish, who was sent out by the 
Huntington Presbytery of Iowa Synod. There were eleven charter 
nyembers coming from just two families—the Inlay and Wooley 
families. As often happened in those early pioneer days it was some 
time before a settled pastor was secured. During the summer of 1870 
Rey. Geo. B. Smith, a student from a theological seminary located 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 147 





Presbyterian Church, Seward, Nebr. 


at Pittsburg, Pa., supplied the field. His successor was Rev. Alfred 
Marvin, who was in charge only six months, Having finished his 
theological course in the seminary, Rev. Smith returned to the field 
in May, 1871 and continued on the field until the spring of 1876. This 
first pastorate was a notable one in many respects. The pastor 
bought a farm two miles west and a half mile north of Seward on 
which he erected buildings and made his home while serving the 


Seward congregation together with some three or four other points 
in the county. Much credit is due him for the erection of the church 
building which was dedicated May 22, 1872. The following day he 
was installed as the first pastor of the church. Rev. Smith secured 
donations for this building from friends in the East, especially from 
the Liberty Presbyterian church near Wabash, Indiana, which added 
to a grant from the Board of Church Erection made the church home 
a possib lity. Prior to the erection of the church services were held 
in a school house located on what is now the north side of the square. 
Interesting facts connected with the building of the church are fur- 
nished by our townsman, John W. Figard, who informs us that all 
the lumber had to be hauled overland from Lincoln, which was then 
the terminus of the railroad. As many of the streams were without 


148 THE HISTORY OF THE 


bridges this was no small task, and Mr. Figard knows, for he was one 
of the teamsters. 

Rev. Enoch Benson, Ph.D., was pastor from 1877 to 1082. His 
also was a notable pastorate since he was on the field during the 
formative period of Seward and Seward county. Perhaps the most 
interesting letter in our possession is one from his pen which tells 
of the period when the community was emerging from pioneer to 
more settled conditions. Dr. Benson tells us in his letter that he 
preached at eleven different school houses while pastor at Seward. 
Under his pastorate the church at Staplehurst was organized and 
the building erected. He also led in organizing the Tamora church. 
At the latter place an abandoned saloon building was bought and used 
as a church until a building more fitting could be had. 

The third pastor was Rev. Thomas L: Sexton, D.D., who came in 
1882 and remained until 1886, when he resigned to become super- 
intendent of Home Missions for Nebraska Synod. 

Dr. Sexton brought good business methods into use during his 
pastorate and as a result the church came to self-support. 

Following Dr. Sexton’s resignation in 1886 the church seems not 
to have greatly prospered until 1902. During this period there were 
six different pastors on the field. These were Revs. Darley, Chest- 
nut, Little, Wolfe, Boude and Stuart. Perhaps the reason for this 
condition was the organization of the Congregational church re- 
ceiving a part of the membership of the Presbyterian church. This 
division so weakened the church that it was next to impossible for 
it to meet its financial obligations. 

Rev. George F. Williams was pastor from 1902 to 1905. Rev. 
Williams succeeded in getting the church moved from the location 
now occupied by the Cattle residence to the present location. This 
move also provided a manse as there was a residence on the lot which 
was moved over and has since been used as a manse. This move 
seems to have been a good thing. Rev. Williams received into the 
church 36 new members during his pastorate. 

Rev. George Williams, father of the preceding pastor, served the 
church from 1905 to 1909. During this pastorate the manse was re- 
modeled into what is now its present condition. 

Rev. J. C. Ambrose was pastor from 1910 to 1912. Twenty-three 
new members were received into the church by Rey. Ambrose. 

Rev. C. M. Rohrbaugh became pastor in 1913 and remained until 
the latter part of 1917, Brother Rohrbaugh did a splendid work. He 
is to be given credit very largely, for remodeling the church at a 
cost of about $4000. It was also during his pastorate that the pipe 
organ was installed. During his pastorate 68 members were added 


to the roll, among them some of the best families connected with 
the church. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 149 


The present pastor, Rev. L. J. Lewis, came to the work in Jan- 
uary, 1918. The work of this pastor speaks for itself, but perhaps it 
is in order to say that during this pastorate church and manse have 
been improved at a cost of $1200 and 107 new members have been 
received into the church. In connection with the Seward pastorate 
Rev. Lewis has been supplying the church at Staplehurst and has 
been instrumental in reviving that church and strengthening the mem- 
bership, both spiritually and numerically. Rev. James W. McGee is 
devoting his entire time to this church. 

Officers of the Seward church: 

Milglerss 12, 12, Wilewaarayer,. Wi, FA, WW, IDewaic, So IDS ZNuieioy 13, 4). 
Erford, R. P. Belden and H. D. Landis, Clerk. 

‘hegstecss s)2eb- Crouse, loi Ostet. Ge beck iLioyd Snuth, J. 
L. Miller and Horace Wolf. 


The Presbyterian Church at Lyons, Nebraska. 
(1868) 
Lyons is a flourishing town of about 1250 in Burt County, on the 


Burlington, and the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha rail- 
roads. It is on Logan Creek in the tar-famed Logan Valley. The 


first permanent settler in the Lyons vicinity was-Josiah Everett, who, 
with three brothers, located in July, 1866. Abouth th: same time also 
came Peter McMullen, M. Wiltse, and R. S. Hart to select homesteads 





= Remote 


First Presbyterian Church, Lyons, Nebr. 


150 THEAHISTORY FOr oOE 


but did not settle until 1867, In 1868 came the Levi Richardson 
family, and about the same time camee the Morters and O. S. Comar. 
In 1869 came Waldo Lyons from Arizona, Burt County, and for him 
the town was later named. 


The Lyons Presbyterian church was organized by Rev. J. M. 
Peebles, September 27th, 1868. The first actual move toward the 
building of a church .was one frosty morning in the early spring of 
1879 when Joel S. Yeaton and Franklyn Everett h’tched onto the 
running gears of their wagons and drove over to the Iowa bottoms for 
cottonwood timber for sills. They crossed the river at Decatur, and 
just as they reached the Nebraska shore with their last load, with a 
mighty crash the ice in the river broke up for the spring. It was a 
frightful sight, as they gazed out upon the turbulent waters, beaten 
into spray by the huge cakes of ice roaring and crushing together. 
It was an awful sight when they contemplated what might have been 
their fate out there only a few minutes before. Dr. J. M. Peebles 
was an eye witness to the occurrence, and asked what thos logs 
were for. “For a church,” was the reply. “That accounts for it,” 
he replied, “had those logs been for firewood your bodies would be 
out there in those turbulent waters. It is a miracle.” 


Since Rev. J. M. Peebles’ incumbency the following min‘sters 
have rendered acceptable service in tie congregation: Rev. J. C. 
Sloan, Rev. C. Van Ostenbrugge, Rev. Hugh McNinch, Rev. J. V. 
Find!ay, Rev. Geo. R. Lunn, Rev. J. B. Miller, Rev. John W. Morgan, 
Rev. Benjamin F. Pearson, Rev. James G, Clark, Rev. J. E. Spencer. 


The present pastor, Rev. J. H. Salsbury, D.D., reports a mem- 
bership of 296; an enrollment in the Sunday school of 230; a Ladies’ 
Aid Soc’ety of 80; a Woman’s Missionary Society of 50. 


The present edifice is a modern and well equ pped; it is rated as 
one of the most commodious in this section of the state. It was 
erected in 1893, and has always been kept in excellent repair. The 
congregation also has a most commodious manse, modern in every 
particular. It is one of the best residences in the town. 


One member, George White, entered the ministry of the Baptist 
church and has taken high place in the administrative forces of his 
denomination. He was the son of Elder A. J. White, long a member 
of this congregation, 


The present session consists of the following: A. U. Crellin, 
Clerk, J. W. Martin, Dav'd Harvey, Henry Fleck, Emory Clements 
and J. E. Jenkins. 


The Lyons church has always been a conservative, but at the 
same time one of the most substantial congregations in the north- 
east part of the State. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 151 


The Presbyterian. Church at Beatrice, Nebr. 
(1869) 


Through an appeal by a published letter in an eastern paper, 
written by Reuben L. Blodgett, attention of the church at large, and 
of the Board of Home Missions was called to the wants of this field. 
This led to the sending as Home Missionary to this place, Rev. Ben- 
jamin F. McNeil. Services were held at first in the old schoolhouse. 
The work of Rev. McNeil resulted in the organization ot the First 
Presbyterian church of Beatrice, Neb., March 17, 1869. 


Its organizing members consisted of five in number, Mrs. Sarah 
Ann Blodgett, Mrs. Mary Griggs, Miss Anna Griggs, Mr. and Mrs. 
Robert H. Weeden. Mr. Weeden was ordained as Ruling. Elder The 
first Trustees appointed were H. A. LaSelle, Robert H. Weeden, 
Reuben L. Blodgett and Nathan Blakely. 








First Church, Beatrice, Nebr. 


The church was organized under the Missouri River Presbytery. 
Through the efforts of Rev. McNeil and the Trustees, lots were pur- 
chased, for a buNding site, at the corner of fifth and High streets. 
The result of solicitations for aid, at hcme and in the east, with the 
grant of $1600.00 by the Board of Church Erection, enabled the 
church to erect a \house of worship. The upper story was enclosed, 
but left unfinished until 1879, the basement being used for services. 

This building was wrecked in 1983, and the present structure e- 
rected in its place, and dedicated Feb. 25, 1894. 

John H. Blodgett, a son of Reuben L. and Mary Ann Blodgett 
is still an active member of the church. 

The names of the min‘sters, in their order, that have supplied 
this pulpit are: 


Benyamine bine. GIN Clearer seemeeee teen i oe eee St eee 1869-1872, 
FATES me AME Crit CG mee seemenett tenant ren Gr eet nV es ee 1872-1873, 
BGT OTT ASE SS Ie Vek | Mepee eeee ens eee ete ee ee ee ee ees 1873-1876, 
eee Veo yt OC Kye ce eter BY Ste ee aE ee ns a ee 1877-1878, 


NU TERI, “SUING SS aps etc Pate tah ne As deat eet 1878-1879, 


152 DHESHISTORYSO RS THE 


Hirai SPs Witt jects seeks ee cee, tee ee eS 1879-1880, 
A Tberts Bp w iin, Se oe cs ee ae cee oe ee 1881-1886, 
Olin Nee Mill Sk re eee cree ee ee, eee eee eee 1887-1892, 
John De Counteriim er sececcsererecs oer ee eee 1892-1897, 
‘ohn @H God Meta se? 5 es eee a eee ee 1897-1900, 
Wrilliana VHA earns. Scie. tires teers th aot re sn coteeaceme cna a een ee 1901-1908, 
Leone DY iou niente a ee eee 1908-1914, 
INSP Patt CS Ot secs see soe oes ee re ese ere ee ee 1915-1917, 
Ee Col uCas ieee si ee ee ee Le een eee 1917-1924, 
Ross ”S.M.c Cow ne eee ee 2 ewe are ee eee 1924- 


Mr. F. B. Sheldon, Clerk of Session, 

Mr. J. C. Douthitt, Treasurer, 

Mr. W.. P. Grim, Chorister, 

Mrs. C. M. Crapser, Organist. 

Elders: F. B. Sheldon, Clerk; R. W)C. Purviance, GebeVan 
Horne; J..W; Beard, J; R=Spicer, Dr. G AY Speliman, CC heshaner 
Fulon Jack, E. F. K'mmerley, A. H. Krauss, Dr. S. C. Waddell, An- 
drew Jamieson. 

Deacons. es) aiiies ot wow lem Gia iia pan emerciton 

The Board of Trustees: T. J. Baker, President, Harold Mattoon, 
Vice-Pres., D. S. Dalbey, Wallace Robertson, L. C. Barnes, Dr. B. 
L. Spellman, J. C. Douthitt. 

Board of Ushers: F. P. Cleppenger, chairman; Carl F. Shaffer, 
T. J. Baker, Dr. E. Wt Fellers, Forrest*Krauss, J.C. Douthitt@baul 
Fisher. 

Sabbath School: Superintendent, Mr, C. E. Jones; Assistant Sup- 
erintendent Dr. E. W. Fellers; Religious Director, E. F. Kimmerly; 
Secretary and Treasurer, H. E. Lawrence; Librar‘an, Paul Fisher; 
Supt. Adult Division, F. P. Clippenger; Supt, Secondary Division, 
Miss Susan West; Supt. Junior Dept., Miss Mary Fuller; Supt. Pri- 
mary Dept., Mrs. E. 'W. Fellers; Supt. Beginner’s Dept., Mrs. Wiil 
Skow; Supt. Cradle Roll, Mrs. Geo. Armand. 


First Presbyterian Church, Tekamah, Neb. 
(1869) 


The First Presbyterian. Church of Tekamah, Nebraska, was or- 
ganized by the Rey. J. M. Peebles, M.D. tin’ 1869. meAtenneleneuee 
Scotch people, by birth and early education Presbyterian, overtured 
the presbytery of Missouri River to organize them into a Presbyter- 
ian church. Rev. Jeremiah B. Long became the first pastor in April 
1870, This was an epoch worthy of note in the little frontier hamlet, 
containing less than fifty inhabitants. Rev. Long was Irish by birth, 
left an orphan in early years, he was reared by a wealthy family in 
Indiana and educated for the Presbyterian ministry in the Chicago 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 153 








Presbyterian Church, Tekamah, Nebr. 


Theological Seminary. This was his first charge. The Rev. George 
R. Carroll of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was at the time the synodical 
missionary for the territory, who arranged for the pulpit supply. The 
alternate supplies were Rev. Dr. J. Peebles of Decatur, Rev. George 
D. Stewart of Omaha, and Rev. McCandlish, Superintendent of 
the American Bible Society for Nebraska. The services were held 
in a little scho6l house, south of where the high school building now 
stands. 

The charter members were: C. K. Conger, and wife, Mrs. Mary 
Sutherland Mrs. Evelyn Ludwick, Mrs. Goodwin, Mrs. Caroline 
Hawks, Mrs. Hannah Wallace and Mrs. Abbie Cochran. C. K. Con- 
ger was elected the first Ruling Elder. 

Since the organization this church has had eight regularly instal- 
led pastors. There have been six stated supplies. 

In addition to the ministers already named the following were: 

Rev. John C. Sloan, from 1873 to 1878, 

Rev. William J. Young, from 1878 to 1880, 

Rev. John V. Griswold, from 1880 to 1883, 

Rev. John C. Cherryholmes, from 1884 to 1886, 

Rev. Lester D. Wells, from 1887 to 1888, 


154 THER is LORY SO Reh rE 


Rev. Robert M. L. Braden, from 1889 to 1890, 

Rev. Everet Smits, from 1891 to 1893, 

Rev. Alex G. Wilson, from 1894 to 1902, 

Rev. J. D. Kerr, from 1902 to 1904, 

Rev. Robert W. Taylor, from 1904 to 1914, 

Rev. Benjamin A. Fye, from 1914 to 1919, 

Rev. Paul C. Johnson, from 1919 to 1922, 

Rev. Arch J. Kearns, from 1922 to 

The first church edifice was erected in 1870 and the second house 
of worship was dedicated in 1890. 

There have been received into the membership of the church 
since its founding, 727 members, of whom 443 have come on profes- 
s'on of their faith, and 284 by letter of dismissal from other churches. 

The Ruling Elders constituting the Session at the present time 
are: R. Le Adams, R..J.“Mitten, G. A. Jack S), Sa Breckenrmce se). 
Nesbit, H. E. Valder, GC, A. Valder, James A..Clark, Clerk (Ga? 
Dunn, F. W. Palen, J. L. Potter, P. C. Brandt, and D. W. Greenleaf, 
Treasurer. 

The Trustees are: J. F. Nesbit, Fres., F. F. Ward, Secretary, 
Dr. M. Wood, Dougtas Sutherland, Herman Wragge, J. E. Brecken- 
ridge, Roy Wetherell, James A. Clark and C. A. Valder. 


First PreSbyter’an Church, Grand Island, Neb. 
(1869) 


In April 1869 the Presbytery of Missouri River, in session at 
S‘oux City, Ia.. appointed Rev. Sheldon Jackson, as Supt. of Missions 
for Western Iowa, Nebraska, Montana, Dakota, Wyoming and Utah. 
Soon thereafter J. N. Hutchinson, a licentiate, began preaching in 
Grand Island once a month. August 12, 1869, Dr. Jackson visited 
the young commun’'ty and organized the First Presbyterian church, 
with five charter members. Robert Mitchell and Samuel Hindman 
were elected ruling elders. For several years the congregation wor- 
shiped in a school house, its growth being slow. In February 1875 
Rev. Samuel Griffes conducted a series of revival meetings, at which 
time five members were added to the roll of the church. Robert 
Mitchell, R. G. Rice and S. D. Rannels were elected ruling elders. 
Rev. George Hutchinson came in August 1875 and remained as stat- 
ed supply for nine months. In 1877 Rev. J. H. Reynard served the 
church as pastor. During this pastorate the congregation purchased 
a building which was remodeled and formally dedicated. In 1881 the 
Manse was erected, at a cost of $8000.00. During the same year 
there were many accessions to the church. Rev. George Williams 
became pastor ‘n 1883. Rev. Samuel Wycoff served the church as 
stated supply during the year 1889-1890. The longest pastorate was 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA, 155 





First Presbyterian ‘Church, Grand Island, Nebr. 


that of Rev. Thomas C. Clark, now of Washington, D.C., who came 
to this congregation in June 1890 and gave faithful service and in- 
spirational leadership for sixteen years until May 1906. While he 
was pastor the present beautiful church edifice was erected, which was 
dedicated in 1904, costing $20,000.00. The succeeding pastors have 
been: 


Rev. John G. Graham from 1906 for about five years. 

Rev. A. F. Ernst, Ph.D., for about four years. 

Rev. William I. Alexander for about two years, 

Rev. A. A. Smith for about five years. 

Rev. Glenn L. Rice is now in his second year. 

The church has had a continuous steady growth and now has 
upward of two hundred and seventy-hve members. The Sabbath 
school numbers one hundred and fifty. 

The Elders constitut'ng the present Session are J. B. Elseffer 
Wietk are |. Coats.) nH. Yund: John M- Cellan and 1. R. Burge 


> 


156 THESHISTORYORSTIE 


Schuyler Presbyterian Church, Schuyler, Neb. 
(1869) 


The Presbyterian church is one of the oldest in Colfax County. 
It was organized December 15, 1869. Rev. Alexander Sutherland 
was the first minister. Robert Edgar and James A. Fraser were the 
first Deacons. Prominent among the other ealry members were Mr. 
and Mrs. John Curry, Mrs. Hector Curry and Mrs. John McPherson. 
In 1874 Rev. Mr. Sutherland left Schuyler and for about a year the 
church was without a pastor. In January 1875 Rev. J. A. Hoor be- 
came the pastor. At this time there were fifty members. The 
Elders of the church were John Curry, H. C. Russell and J. F. Woods. 
Miles Zentmeyer was the Sunday school superintendent. The church 
building was erected in 1871. In 1876 it was moved to another lo- 
cation and entirely refitted. The church edifice has recently been 
destroyed by fire. Rev. Benjamin F. Pearson was the pastor from 
1911 to 1915. Students from the Presbyterian Theological Seminary 
of Omaha, Nebraska, have supplied the pulpit from time to time. 

Dr. C. H. Johnson is the Clerk of the Session. 


First Presbyterian Church, Madison, Neb. 
(1870) 

The church at Madison was organized by Dr. Sheldon Jackson, 
then Home M’'ssionary for Nebraska, and whose greater work in 
Alaska makes his name a familiar one in every Presbyterian home. 
The organization took place on Feb. 1, 1870, and there were three 
charter members. 





First Church, Madison, Nebr 


The first pastor was the Rev. J. M. Wilson, who also served the 
Church at Columbus. 

The first house of worship was dedicated on May 12, 1872. But 
this building was destroyed by a tornado on Sept. 28, 1881. 

The second building was in turn dedicated on Aug. 6, 1882, and 
an addition and new bell were dedicated on July 8, 1894. 


’ 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 157 


The church prospered and in the course of years, the need of a 
larger and more fully equipped church home was keenly felt. During 
the pastorate of Dr. J. E. Farmer, this was realized. The coner stone 
for the new building was laid on Nov. 8, 1913, and the beautiful church 
dedicated on June 14, 1914. 


The church has been served by the following pastors: 

Reverends J. M. Wilson, W. E. Kimball, W. J. Oliver, Frederick 
Tonge, C. W. Lowrie, Theodore Morning, C. H. Churchill, H. Mc- 
Clenaghan, J. E. Farmer, D.D., A. H. Eggleston, Alexander Wimber- 
ley and the present pastor, F. G. Knauer, D.D. 


Looking to the Lord for help, this church hopes to render in- 
creasing service for Christ and His Kingdom and to let her light 
shine with growing brightness, even to the ends of the earth. 

Elders: F. M. Yeazel, Geo. E. Richardson, Clerk, M. D. Taylor, 
E. E. Burris, Wm. ‘Witgow. 

Trustees: Chas Pierce, Chairman, I. M. Dawson, Treas., Fred 
Diers, C .S. Snyder, Albert Glenn, D. W. Kline. 


Ponca Presbyterian Church, Ponca, Neb. 
(1870) 


The Presbyterian church of Ponca was organized February §8, 
1870. The first church edifice was built in 1871 at a cost of about $2000. 
The ministers instrumental in effecting the organization were Rev. 
Walter H. Clark and Rev. Abner D. Chapman. The charter mem- 
bers of the church were the families cf McDonald, Gamble, Hobbs, 
and McKinley. When Rev. Robert L. Wheeler, D.D., was sent to 
Ponca by Dr. John Hall, as a licentiate, in the fail of 1876, he was 
given the counties of Dakota, Wayne and Dixon as his parish. His 
parish practically extended from South Sioux City to Red Cloud’s 
tepee in the Black Hills, at Pine Ridge Indian Agency, where Dr. 
Wheeler held services with old Red Cloud present. 

A manse was purchased, which was built at a cost of about 
$3000. Recent additions and improvements have made of it a very 
comfortable and-modern residence.- 

The original church edifice was reduced to ashes in 1908, In 
1909 the present edifice was dedicated at a cost of $7000, It is a very 
substantial and well appointed building, with modern improvements 
and well adapted to the place and work. It has a basement with a 
kitchen fully furnished, a large room for social purposes, and ail 
modern conveniences. | 

The first Elders were William McDonald, and Samuel Gamble. 
Two members have received commissions to the foreign fi‘eld, Mrs. 
H. W. Lampe and Rev. Lynn P. Sullenberger, 


158 THE HISTORY ObSTHE 





Ponca Presbyterian Church. 


The pastors who have supplied the church in their order are, 

Rev, Walter H. Clark, Rev. Albert Chapman, Rev. Robert -L. 
Wheeler, D.D., Rev. Smith, Rev. C. F. Graves, Rev. A. F, Young. 
Rev. George A. Bray, Rev. Allen Camp, Rev. Henry Willard Lampe, 
D'D.; Rev: J. M. Darling, Rev. Joseph B. Cherry, Ph.D:, Rev; Aw G:; 
Martyn, D.D., Rev. Ernest C. Seabright and Rev. Irwin G. Smith. 

Clyde Myers, John Armstrong, H. L. Keyser and the Rev. Ir- 
win G. Smith constitute the present Session. 


First Presbyterian Church, Tecumseh, Neb. 
(1870) 

The First Presbyterian church of Tecumseh, Nebraska, was for- 
mally organized on Saturday, June 25, 1870, with the following nine- 
teen charter members: M. C. Bryson, Mrs. M. A. Bryson, B. F. Cur- 
ry, Mrs. P. Curry, Samuel Russell, Mrs. Jane Russell, Mrs. A. E. 
Baird, Mrs. May Mayberry, Miss Armstrong, Ambrose Nicholson, 
Mrs. A. Nicholson, Miss Emma Nicholson, Samuel J. Work, Mrs. 
Mary A. Work, Harrison Tingle, Mrs. Armantha Tingle, Y. D. Met- 
calfe, Mrs. Jessie M. L. Work, Mrs. Maggie Whitney. 

The first elders elected were M. C. Bryson and George A. Miller. 

Rev. A. T.:. Wood was the first minister and served as stated 
supply for nearly two years, from June 1870 to April 1872. Rev. A. 
S. Powell succeeded him and preached from April 1872 until February 
1875. In September 1875 Rev. A. S. Struthers came to the church 
remaining for one ,year. Mr. Struthers was followed immediately 
September 1876, by Rev. A. F, Randolph, who remained four years 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA, 159 


as the regularly installed pastor. In March 1881 Rev. C. D. Jeffiries 
began his work in the church and continued till September 1884. In 
October of the same year Rev. J. D. Krum, D.D., succeeded to the 
pastorate of the church and continued until Jaunary 1887. Dr. Krum 
was followed by Rev. W. W. Harsha, D.D., who served the church 
from May, 1888 to April 1895. In August 1896 Rev. J. A. Pollock 
became pastor and continued his labors until June 1899. The August 
following Rey. E. I. Davies accepted a call to the church and con- 
tinued as pastor until his death on August 8, 1903. Then Rev. H. E. 
Waters served the church as pastor from October 1903 until April 
1908. On July 30, 1908, Rev. Robert Liddell, D.D., became pastor 
and continued until October 15, 1910. He was followed by Rev. Wil- 
son W. Tait, D.D., who remained with the church from June 1, 1911 
until August 15, 1913. Rev. W. W. Alverson succeeded Dr. Tait on 
April 1, 1914, and closed his labors May 31, 1918, On June 4, 1920 
Rev. W. H. Cooper became pastor and labored most faithfully until 
called to his reward on August 26, 1923. Rev. James G. Clark be- 
came pastor of the church on February 17, 1924. 

Services were first held in the Court House of Johnson County. 
In the fall of 1873 a church building was begun which was dedicated 
on February 22, 1874. The building was 32 by 48 feet. The present 
edifice was erected in 1892 at a cost of $10,500. The congregation 
has a spac'ous modern manse valued at $6000. 

The present roll of members numbers one hundred and thirty- 
two. 

The following named Elders constitute the Session: W. P. Mc- 
Coy, Ridgeway McCoy, and Edward Olson. 

The Trustees are as follows: L. M. Davis, P. A. Brundage, 
Warren Ingersoll and T. J. Pierson. 


The Marietta Presbyterian Church, Marietta, Neb. 
(1871) 


On September 3, 1871, in the Adams County school house, Rev. 
N. P. Ormsby of Minonk, Ill, organized the First Presbyterian 
church of Marietta, Saunders County, Nebraska, with a roll of 13 
charter members as follows: Mr. Walter and Mrs. Helen Crinklaw, 
Mr. A. P. and Mrs. Helen Kempton, Mr. D. and Mrs. Elizabeth Mc- 
Cord, Mr. Henry and Mrs. Sarah Sorberger, Mrs. Annie Ellison, Mrs. 
Marie Schofield, Mrs. Aline Mowers, Mrs. Irene Storms, and James 
Crinklaw, Three of this number are still living, Mr. Kempton, Mrs. 
Irene Storms, and James Crinklaw. 


160 THE HISTORY OF THE 





Marietta Presbyterian Church, 
Colon, Neb. 


Plans had been made many times by this little group to consum- 
mate this organization; circumstances had prevented each time, and 
only owing to the fact of Rev. Ormsby being a guest at the McCord 
home, could they at this time have realized their desires. For a 
period of five years from the date of the organization no record can 
be found of the church history. The older members recall a Rev. 
Welty, who came upon the field during this time, and following him, 
Rey. W. Fletcher, who resided upon his farm preaching upon the 
Sabbath until the session, Mr. W. Crinklaw and Mr. McCord, who 


had been elected elders on the date of organization, obtained Rev. 
J. L. Amlong, who served until 1879. During the first and second 
years of his pastorate Mr. and Mrs. Blaine McCord, Mr. and Mrs. 
David Frazer, Mr. and Mrs. P. P. Hayes, Luella Hayes, Anna and 
Jennie Crinklaw, united with the church. No comment can adequate- 
ly express what the addition of this company must have meant to 
both pastor and members of the church—we find their record writ- 
ten in every branch of the church work, 


In January of the year 1880, Rev. E. L. Dodder was called as 
pastor and served one year. During this year plans were perfected 
and the erection of the church building began. J. A. Sams, Mr, and 
Mrs. Isaac Clegg, Laura Clegg, and Jas. Elliott united with the 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 161 


church. Rev. Dodder closed his pastorate in 1881 and was succeed- 
ed by Rev. Edward Warren. 

Dated March 1882, the session minutes read, “A joint meeting 
was held in Wahoo of the Wahoo and Marietta churches for the pur- 
pose of providing for the support of the gospel.” 

W. D. McCord, Wm, Fletcher and Walter Crinklaw, represented 
Marietta, and elders Reed, Moore, Pryne and Bell, Wahoo. Arrange- 
ments were made by which Rev. Warren became pastor of both 


chuches, preaching in Marietta on Sabbath mornings during the win- 
ter months and afternoons during the summer months. 

The Marietta church building was completed and destined to 
stand but one year. On the Sabbath morning of June 25, 1882, a 
violent storm demolished it. We recall W. D. McCord’s account of 
this event as follows: After the storm had cleared the members of 
the congregation arrived as usual for Sabbath services to find their 
house of worship a sorry wreck. Its erection had meant real sacrifice 
and wearying labor; much of the material having been brought across 
the country from Fremont. In the dismay of the moment some 
asserted this closed the church’s career—it could never be rebuilt. 
The women and children wept. Amidst this general disheartening 
situation, Rev. Warren emerged from the wreck holding aloft the 
pulpit Bible unharmed, exclaiming, “The grass withereth, the flower 
fadeth, but the Word of the Lord endureth forever.’ By the close 
of the year the re-erection was completed. Rev. Warren now re- 
siding in Philadelphia is remembered as a young man of splendid 
appearance, endowed with a genial, kindly personality. He came 
to the field a single man, but was married during the second year of 
his pastorate. The following united with the church at this time: 
Emma and Hattie Crinklaw, Bertha Schofield, Lizzie Hayes, Mr. and 
Mrs. James Ellison, Sr., W. Ellison, Sr., Sarah Bell, and Lettie EI- 
lison, Mr. and Mrs. Crane, Jennie Ellison, John and Alex Andrens, 
Geo. Orme, Dan Cameron, Milton Hayes, Mr. and Mrs. Hague, and 
Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz. 


Rev. David Jones succeeded Rev. Warren. He was the first pas- 
tor to occupy the manse which was erected in 1884. At this time 
Mr. C. Hague was elected elder. 


In 1885, Rev. Jas. Youngs accepted the pastorate and remained 
three years. During this period we find the church roll increased 
almost twofold; among the names added were: Mr. and Mrs. Isaac 
Mack, Mr. and Mrs. John Hancock, Mr. and Mrs. W. Mitchell, Mr. 
and Mrs. H. Bellows, and Myrtella Bellows, Mary McCord, Etta 
McCord, Juno Schofield, Myrtle and Pearl Kempton, Anna, Minnie 
and Emma Ellison, Morris Hancock, Grace and Nellie Hydese J. =L. 


11 


162 THE HISTORY ORTH E 


Carson. W. K. Fletcher, Philinda Sanderson, Catherine Winslow, 
Minnie Hancock, Lillian Schofield, John Roush, Wm. Nye, Wilbur 
Watson, and Grace Mack. Rev. Young closed his pastorate in June 
1887 and wa; folowed by Rev. Mathews, who remained but on year. 
Rev. Youngs and Mathews were the most elderly of all the pastors 
who served on the field. 

Rev. L. D. Wells followed Rev. Mathews, remaining two years 
from February, 1889 to near the close of 1890. Among those uniting 
with the church we read the names of Mrs. Lucinda Hood, Jennie 
Hood and Rose Olson. 

Rev. Wells is particularly remembered for his musical inclina- 
tions, taking great delight in drilling his large choir of young folks 
in preparation not only for the usual musical service, but observing 
each of the special services at Christmas, Easter and Children’s 
Day, in rendering appropriate cantatas. 

Early in 1891 Rev. Lodge accepted the call of the session, re- 
maining one year. A sad feature of his residence here was the death 
of Mrs. Lodge, who came upon the field an invalid and lived but a 
few months. Her death is the only one which has occurred in the 
manse. Those uniting with the church during Rev. Lodge’s pastor- 
ate were: John Butterick, John Meckley, Frank Olson, Herbert 
and Fred Mowers Florence and Polly Perry, Myrtle Ellison, Mr. and 


Mrs. Gordon, Charlotte and Clayton Taylor, Mary, Lawrence, Eliza- 
beth Orme, Mattie Henderson, and Mr. and Mrs. McCauley. 


On April 17, 1893, the session with Dr. Sexton as moderator re- 
ceived Rey. and Mrs. Aston and Francis, Myrtle Smith and Jane 
R. Fletcher into membership. Rev. Aston’s ministry dated from 1893 
to 1896 and covered the church’s most active and _ flourishing 
years. 


The families of the pioneer members had now grown to manhood 
and womanhood and faithfully attended the services of each depart- 
ment of church activities. The fame of the Young People’s Christian 
Association spread far and wide and each Sabbath as the day drew 
near its close marked the procession of numerous “top buggies” car- 
rying the beaux and belles of the entire surrounding country together 
with their elders in spring wagons and carryalls, hastening to Mari- 
etta Presbyterian church where that peerless old choir leader, Abe 
Palmartier, fairly rent the dome of heaven with the rapturous melod- 
ies of the old Gospel hymns. It was no mere formal pretense that 
characterized these services but a genuine outpouring of sincere 
devotions. The list of those uniting with the church reads: Mr. and 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 163 


Mrs. Griffen, who were completing their preparation for mission- 
ary work and Frank L. Miller, received by letter. On confession 
of faith: Wm. Brown, Wm. and Henry Gerke, John Reed, Geo. EI- 
lison, Robert Cemer, Herman Beherns, Mary Scales, Efhe Whinnery,. 
Willie Ellison, Dora Sanderson, Jos. Hood, Nellie Ellison, Mrs. 
Annie Perry, Mrs. M. Presba, Rebecca and James Presba, Lizzie 
Burt, Mrs. Vance, Lorena Vance, Blanche Hood, Mamie and Della: 
Henderson, Mr. and Mrs. Cronk, Sam Warner, Geo. Henderson, 
John Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Davis, Jerome Lawrence, Nellie Haldene, 
and Delma Gaffin. 

Rev. H. E. Nicklon succeeded Rev. Aston, occupying the pulpit 
from 1897-1899. Those uniting with the church at this time were: 
Mrs. Geo. and John Crinklaw, H. Robertson, Clara, Cora and Delia 
Bader, Lizzie Raitt, Fred Presba and Mable Gaffin. Rev. Nicklon 
is remembered for h’s stringency in church discipline. He revised 
the church roll and introduced a number of changes in business con- 
duct. This was his first pastorate. Following Rev. Nicklon came 
Rev. Geo. Scarr, who occupied the field longer than any preceding 
minister, The memory of Rev. Scarr is dear to every member of 
the congregation. He was a man of quiet unassuming nature, kind- 
ly, sympathetic and just. During his ministry the Colon Union 
church was reorganized as becoming the First Presbyterian church 
of Colon. Twenty-eight members withdrawing from Mar‘etta and 


placing their membership in the near church. This following elder 
Frank Olson’s removal from the neighborhood, left Marietta with 
but one elder, Mr. John Hancock. At the next congregational meet- 
ing, J. A. Crinklaw, H. C. Mowers, Morris Hancock and H. Robert- 
son were chosen as elders and ordained the following Sabbath. By 
mutual consent one pastor residing in Marietta was to serve both 
churches. In the minutes of the session as recorded by Rev. Scarr 
mention is made of the history of the silver communion set which 
was presented to the church by Rev. Warren, Grandma Clegg at 
this time adding a personal gift of a baptismal bowl. This commun- 
ion set was used over forty years. Our present individual servcice 
was a gift from H. F. Robertson. During Rev. Scarr’s ministry the 
following persons united with the church: Mr. and Mrs. Theodore 
Anderson, Wm., Anna, Ida and Olive Anderson, Mable Orme, Her- 
bert and Ralph Henderson, and Ruth Orme—all of whom transfer- 
red to Colon: Hilda, Esther and Edith Olson, Hazel Carson, Roy 
Scarr, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Olson, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Seeburg, 
Sr., Effie Wallin and Beth Hancock. 


164 THE HISTORY OF THE 


Rev. John Bennett succeeded Rev. Scarr, remaining two years, 
Rev. Bennett was the only pastor who had served as a foreign mis- 
sionary, having spent several years on the island of Madagascar, 
when first ordained, being sent out from England. Dr. B. J. Bret- 
houwer became pastor in 1906, ‘serving until 1909. He bears the 
distinction of being the only pastor ever installed and also of bearing 
the degree of Doctor. At this time Mr. and Mrs. C. Olson and Ar- 
thur, Alice, Orval and Lawrence Ilson, Nora Alm, Jessie Carson, 
Ruth Brethouwer, Harry Carson, Julius Alm, Herbert McCord, and 
Helen Hancock united with the church. Rey. N. P. Olney succeeded 
Dr. Brethouwer, serving from 1909 to 1914. 

During his pastorate quite extensive repairs were made upon 
the church, the basement and west addition being the chief features. 
The piano was also purchased and additions were made to the library. 
Those uniting with the church at this time were: John Hancock, 
Lloyd Brown, Winifred Ellison, Bernice Crinklaw, Frances Carson, 
Raymond Crinklaw, John Olson, Donald Ellison, Harold McCord, 
Enoch and Anna Benson, Victor Fransen, Edna Monteen, Mrs. Elva 
Sams, Gladys Brown, Evlyn Crinklaw, Waldo McCord, Wm. McCord 
and Howerd Olson. Rev. Olney’s pastorate was marked by the un- 
usual activity of the C. E. Society and the introduction of community 
social work with the church as a center. 

In 1916 Rev. Aston made a request to serve the church again 
and was unanimously accepted. The Marietta and Colon congrega- 
tions now felt strong enough to each support its own pastorate and 
Rev. Aston took charge of Marietta alone. Both Rev. and Mrs. 
Aston were at this time recovering from the sorrow of their loss of 
Francis and spent two quiet years in their desire to be near her 
last resting place. On the session records, Mr. and Mrs, Fred Miners, 
Conrad Carlson, Ethel Milton, Mildred McCord, Richard Olson, 
Duane Ellison, Opal Ellison, Mr. and Mrs. F. Fransen, Mr. and Mrs. 
A. Anderson, Lillie Anderson, Emil Johnson, Alex Alm, Mr. and Mrs. 
Ford Torrens, Fern Wells, Mr. and Mrs. A. Hanson, Gladys and Ada 
Clouse, united with the church. Mr, C. E. Olson was elected to-the 
office of elders at this time. 

This brings us to our present pastor, Rev. Horton, who came up- 
on the field in 1919. Two new lines of work have already marked his 
endeavors, viz., the Aid Society, which claims a splendid membership 
among our own and other denominations, and the Men’s Community 
Club, which aims to enroll all ages and denominations for mutual ben- 
efit, social, spiritual, educational. Rev. Horton, like Rey. Warren and 
Rev. Ilney, brought his bride to the Marietta pastorate. The-Board 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 165 


of Elders was recently enlarged by the election of John Brown, Geo. 
Crinklaw and Ford Torren. 

The history of Marietta church would not be complete without 
including the Sunday school and Missionary organizations. It was 
during the pastorate that the Missionary Soc‘ety was organized on 
the date of March 22, 1882, at the home of Mrs. Crane, with Mrs. 
Louise McCord as pres'dent, Mrs. Schwartz, vice-president, Bertha 
Schofield, treasurer, and Nellie Kempton, secretary. This society 
has existed thirty-eight years without a lapse, and has proven one 
of the strongest departments of the church. From its members have 
gone out three missionaries of the cross, two to foreign and one to 
home fields. Mrs. Bertha Giffen, who with her husband served un- 
der the China Inland Mission in China, and Mrs. Juno Meckly, sis- 
ter of Mrs. Giffen, Miss Rose Ilson, now living in California, spent 
many years among the Navajo and Hopi Indians in Arizona. 

Long before the erection of a church building we find the record 
of the Marietta Presbyterian Sunday school with meetings held in 
the vaious school houses of the community. The first officers were 
W. D. McCord, Supt., J. M. Wh'nnery, Treas., and Nora Sams, Sec’y. 
Teachers: Mr. and Mrs. McCord, and Joseph and Nora Sams. 

Many of us are still familiar with the splendid service rcndered 
by these faithful Christian pioneers. Mrs. Schofield who with a 
lumber wagon drawn by mules gathered up all the children between 
her home and the place of meeting, regardless of weather or roads, 
Mrs. Louise McCord, whe taught tiie young people's class for a 
quarter of a century, Mrs. Mowers, Mr. Kempton, all of whom the 
records credit with faithfui service. 

How vividiy do we recall the eariiest admonitions ct Mr. McCord 
as each Sabbath he exhorted us to faithful service, telling us how 
the “very hairs of our head are numbered,” such was the love and 
care of God for us. 

From our Sunday school one member has gone out as a foreign 
missionary, Miss Mae Sutherland, who served several years in India. 

The honor roll of the S. S. in the great World War is: Haroid 
McCord, Victor Fransen, Julius Alm, Lloyd Anderson, John Han- 
cock, Rufus Monteen, Algot Anderson, Arthur Olson and Gus Bahm., 


, 


To crowd into a few minutes the review of the record of 50 years 
activities has necessitated the briefest mention of but a few of the 
leading characters of our church history. No less worthy of mention 
are many other faithful ones who rendered serv'ces for which we 


166 CHE CHISLOR YeO Weer ri 


feel assured they have heard the Master’s “Well done!” and have 
meited eternal joy in his presence. 

(The above address was written and delivered at the recent an- 
niversary celebration of the Marietta Presbyterian church by Mrs. 
J. H. Ellison, and where Henry F. Kiesen participated in the anni- 
versary exercises.) 


First Presbyteriar: Church of Humboldt, Neb. 
(1871) 


The First Presbyterian church of Huinboidt was organized on 
June 23, 1871, with cight constituent members. This was the dicct 
result of a call issued by A. H. Bratt and wife, C. E. Rice and wife, 
Catharine P. A. Nimms, John R. Clark and wife and Mrs. Phoebe Mc- 
Conkey. The first sermon of the Presbyterian denomination was 
preached on the evening of the Sunday preceding tlie formal organ- 
ization by Rev. George R. Carroll, the District Missionary of the 
American Board of Home Missions and assigned to western Iowa, 
Nebraska and Dakota. The first pastor of the church was Rev. 
Andrew Herron, who was installed in May, 1872, and held office for 
one year. In October 1874 Rev. A. F. Hale was called to the pas- 
torate which he held until the third of June the following year. when 
Rey. C. S. Marvin accepted the pastorate. At the end of one year Rev. 
Marvin gave place to Rev. J. B. Linskea who accepted the call Sep- 
tember 3, 1876. Rev. L’nskea resigned at the completion of a year’s 
service and January first, 1878, the Rev. F. M. Hickok was installed. 
Rev. Hickok. whose duties closed October 20, 1882, on account of 
physical disability, was succeeded by Rev. Joel S. Kelsey, from Oc- 
tober 20 1882 to May 1, 1884. Rev. LL. D. Wells filled the office of 
stated supply from May 1, 1884 to April 6, 1887 and was followed by 
Rev. G. G. Barnes, as stated supply, October 1, 1887. Rev. Barnes 
was installed November 14, 1888, which relationship was dissolved 
October 16, 1890. Rev. Lewis Jessup was stated supply from Dec- 
ember 1, 1890 to March 23, 1893. Rev. R. Cooper Baily began his 
services August 15, 1893 and continued to September 30, 1895. He 
was succeeded by Rev. S. H. McClanaghan on February 24, 1896 
and continued to May 24, 1896. November 30, 1896 Rev. C. C. Meek 
took up the work and continued to October 20, 1898. 


The church since then was supplied as follows: 

Rev. W. B. Pryce from january 1, 1899 to November 1, 1590. 

Rev. John A. Currie from Apr'l 7, 1901 to November 9, 1902. 

Rev. L. Richmond Smith from June 14, 1903, who was installed 
October 20, 1905 and reiationship dissolved Octoher 27, 1907, 

Rev. Charles McKee Cantrall, took up the work on March 20, 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 167 





Humboldt Presbyterian Church, Humboldt, Nebr. 


1908, and was installed May 6, 1908, and held pastorate to September 
28, 1909. 

Rev. Kersey J. Cardy (whose sad and sudden death occurred at 
Hebron, Nebraska on February 18, 192+) entered tnon his duties in 
this church as stated supply, January , 1910, and concluded November 
1, 1912. 

He was followed by Rev. Allan D. Seelig who was ‘nstalled Feb- 
ruary 20, 1913, which relationship was dissolved September 15, 1917. 

Rev. John W. Dickson was pastor of the church from January 
1, 1918 to March 31, 1919. 

Rev. Behrend J. Brethouwer, D.D., filled the pastoral office from 
January 1, 1920, to January 31, 1923. 

The present pastor, Rev. W. H. E. Strate, supplied the pulpit in 
June 1923, began his pastorate July 1, 1923 and was installed Novem- 
ber 1, 1923. And the work continues to prosper under his leadership. 
The church has had, including the organizer, 22 under shepherds in 
the 53 years of its existence. 

For a number of years in the beginning of the organization of 
the church the services were held in a school house. In 1877 the ad- 
visability of erecting a church building of their own was planned, 
and on January 5, 1878 a building committee was appointed to pros- 
ecute the build'ng project. In December of the same year the new 


168 THE -HISTORY*OF<I HE 


edifice was completed at a cost of $2150.00. It was a brick building 
and was occupied by the congregation until about the close of the 
pastorate of Rev. G. G. Barnes in 1890. About that time or near 
the beginning of the serv'ces of Rev. Lewis Jessup, the brick church 
was disposed of end the Presbyterian organization came into satis- 
factory ownership of the once People’s Church, which has been re- 
modeled and refinished and a manse has been built on the same lot, 
all of whch, with the church equipment, is conservatively valued at 
$15,000.00. 

The official Board; of the church consist of the session of six 
members and trustees of five members, these together performing the 
duties of ‘the Board of Deacons. The present members of the Ses- 
sion: Benjamin F. Gravatt, John Phi!pot, Lotto Hynek and Thom- 
as H. Gillan, Clerk. Two vacancies exist at the present t me. 

The trustees are Guy L. Cooper, S: R. Gist, l. C. Herwig, John 
Power and L. S. Hackett, Secretary and Treasurer. 

The present enrollment numbers about 128. 


Decatur Presbyterian Church. 
(1871) 


The Presbyterian Church at Decatur, Nebraska was organized by 
Dr. J. M. Peebles, who preached in that community from 1868 to 
1878. Dr. Peebles was instrumental in procuring funds for the first 
church edifice. Mrs. Wm. Thaw sent a contribution of one hundred 
dollars toward the building fund. The church was dedicated in 1879. 
The records of this church cannot be found and it is therefore im- 
possible to narrate a complete historical account of the organization. 
The pastors supplying the pulpit in their order were: 

John M. Peebles, 1868-1878, 

J. C. Slone, 1879-1880, 

J. V. Gr'swold, 1882-1883, 

R. G. Carnahan, 1903-1905, 

Bishop C. Swank, 1906-1908, 

Martin C. Stonecipher, 1912-1917, 

Robert Graham, 1919-1921. 

Since the last named date there has been no regular pastor on 
the field. 

Elders chosen during the history of the church were: 

A. Rockwell, 1868, L. L. Darling, 1868; A. B. Grow, 1869; Dr. W. 
B. Gregg; Frank L. Darling, 1903; J. W. Leaming, 1903; F. Silsbee, 
1912; Edward Whale, 1912. 

Mr. Darling is the on'y elder at the present time, and has recent- 
ly located at Lyons, Nebraska. 

Miss Juliett Hamilton, daughter of Rev. Wlliam Hamilton, is 
one of the faithful surviving active members. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 169 


Federation of the Congregational and Presbyterion 


Churches of Colurabus, Nebraska. 
(1870) 


The Presbyterian church of Columbus was organized November 
30, 1870. November 1, 1869, Rev. Joseph M. Wilson began holding se- 
mi-monthly meetings at Mr. G. W. Brown’s residence. These finaily 
led to organization. Rev. Sheldon Jackson, R.D., was commissioned 
to sonsummate the organ’zation. The charter members were Mr. 
and Mrs. Gov. Brown, Mrs. A. M. Arnold, Mrs. Josephine Compton, 


Joseph Gerrard, Miss Avis and Miss Emma Gerrard, The first meet- 
ings were held in the Congregational church. Rev. Wilson remained 
as pastor until June 1873. In November following Rev. A. S. Foster 
arrived and remained until 1874. Rev. J. A. Hood became pastor 
January 24, 1875 and remained unt'l 1878. He was followed by Rev. 
Robert Christensen, who remained until August 1879. Rev. C. N. 
Cate then preached and was followed in January, 1882, by Rev. Robert 
Little. The church building was erected in 1878, and with the lot 
was worth $1600.00. 


During the pastorate of Rev. George F. Williams, D.D., the 
Presbytery of Omaha was petitioned at a meet’ng held in the church 
at Benson, September 14, 1914, asking the Presbytery for permission 
to enter into the plans of Federation with the Congregational church 
of Columbus. In answer to the overture the following action was 
taken, “Be it Resolved, That the Presbytery of Omaha sympathizes 
with the effort made by the Presbyterian and Congregational church- 
es of Columbus, Nebraska to federate their forces for local worship 
and work. That we give our hearty commendation and approval to 
the plan of federation which they have adopted.” 

The Rev. Thomas Griffiths was the first pastor to serve this fed- 
eration. His pastorate terminated January 1, 1924. The two rhurches 
have erected a beautiful church ed/‘fice. 


Introduction 


Believing that the intcrest of the Kingdom and the prosperity of 
church would be promoted by a union of effort, and realizing the 
strong denominational attachments in the membership of both church- 
es, we, the membership of the above named churches, enter into the 
following agreement: 


Name 


This organization, formed by the federation of the Congregation- 
al and Presbyterian churches, shall be known as The Federated 
Church of Columbus, Nebraska. 


170 THE HISTORYZOFS THE 





Federated Church, Columbus, Nebr. 


Purpose 


The purpose of this movement shall be to carry on the work of 
the two churches above named, under one united effort and manage- 
ment. 


Organization 


The organization shall be of such form as to conserve the ideas 
of the two churches above named as follows: 


1. The authority in all matters shall be vested in three Boards, 
viz,— The Board of Relig ous Work, The Board of Managers, and 
The Social Board. 


2. The members of these Boards shall be elected at the annual 
meeting of the congregation, except the Board of Managers which 
shall be elected in the manner described below. At the first annual 
meeting of the church three members of the board of religious work 
and three members of the social board shall be elected for one year. 
The remaining members; shall be elected for two years. Thereafter all 
members shall be elected for two years. 


3. The Board of Religious Work shall consist of five members 
of which the pastor shall be chairman. It shall be the duty of this 
Board to have the supervision of the spiritual interests of the church. 


4. Each of the above named churches shall elect and maintain 
a Board of Trustees according to their denominational law and cus- 
tom. This Board is to look after and care for the strictly denomina- 
tional part of the federated work. 

5. The Board of Managers shall consist of three trustees from 
each of the above named churches, whose duty it shall be to look 
after the use and care of the property of the two churches above 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA, 171 


named, subject to the approval of the proper authorities of their res- 
pective churches. 

6. The Board of Managers shal! meet in annual meeting in the 
month of January as they may determine, and shall elect by ballot 
a President, and a Secretary each of whom shall hold office until his 
successor is elected. The President and Secretary shall be elected 
from different branches of the federated church. 

7. In all meetings of the Board of Managers for the transaction 
of business, four (4) members shall constitute a quorum. 

8. It shall be the duty of the Board of Managers to make an 
estimate of the financing of the church at the beginn'ng of the year 
and provide for the same by written pledges. 

9. The Board of Managers shall receive all revenue accru‘ng 
from the property of the two churches and keep all property in- 
sured and in repair. 

10. The joint body of the two churches above named shall elect 
a church clerk, whose duty it shall be to record all motions and to 
make and keep a complete minute record of all transactions, affecting 
the welfare of the joint body. The clerk shall also receive all monies 
and turn it over to the treasurer who shall receipt for the same. He 
shall also countersign all orders on the treasurer, 

11. The joint body of.the two churches shall also select a treas- 
urer, whose duty it shall be to receive and keep an accurate account 
of all monies intended for the support of the church and pay it out 
upon an order signed by the president of the Board of Managers, 
and countersigned by the church clerk. Both treasurer and clerk 
shall not be chosen from the same branch of the federated church. 

12. The president of the Board of Managers shall appoint an 
auditing committee to pass upon the treasurer’s books at the close 
of the fiscal year. The fiscal year shall correspond to the calendar 
year. 

13. The Social Board shall consist of five members of the fed- 
erated church. It shall be the duty of this Board to look after the 
social interests of the church and care for the sick and needy. 

Calling and Dismissing of Pastor. 

The pastor shall be called to serve as long as is mutually agree- 
able, either party to give sixty (60) days notice of a desire to termin- 
ate the pastorate. 

In the event of a vacancy in the pastorate a committee on pulpit 
supply shall be selected, each church to have equal representation on 
the committee. In the selection of a pastor, the churches shall al- 
ternately nominate candidates, it being the intention of this agree- 
ment that the pastorate shall alternate between the two denomina- 
tions. The pastor shall be elected at a congregational meeting, call- 
ed for that purpose at the request of the committee on pulpit supply. 


172 LESH ESTO Rive es rae 


A three-fourths affirmative vote of those present shall be necessary 
for election. 
Unity of Worship and Work 

In this federated movement the two churches above named shall 
agree and covenant to unite at this time their working force and 
congregations in the regu!ar Sunday scivices and mid-week services 
and all affiliated societies and organizations. It is understood that 
the pastor is to consider the membership of the two churches ahove 
named as his particular field of labor, 

Receiv ng and Dismissing Members 

When people desire to unite with the church either by letter or 
otherwise, they shall be free to make their own choice of the churches 
above named. Neither the pastor nor any of the people should at- 
tempt to persuade them to unite with one rather than the other. 
When they have made their choice, they shall be received according 
to the law and custom of the church which they jon. The dismissal 
of members shall be governed by the law and custom of the church 
to which they belong. 

The time and frequency of observing the Lord’s Supper shall 
he determined by the Board of Religious Work. 

Benevolences 

All collections for benevolences shall be under the direction and 
control of a committee elected by the Board of Managers, consisting 
of two members from each church, The benevolences of each church 
shall be printed together upon a benevolent envelupe, those of each 
church in a separate column and so arranged that one can make his 
subscr:ption thereon and also designate the cause ta which it shall 
be given, All benevolent money shall be collected by the committee, 
and paid over to the treasurer, who shall receipt for the same and 
who shall keep an accurate account of the persons paying it and the 
causes to which it has been given and forward it from time to time 
to the proper Boards. 

The Pastor shall present the following benevolences to the con- 
gregation and free-wil! offerings shall be taken for the support of 
the same: 

Fore'gn Missions, Home. Missions, Sabbath School Work, Col- 
lege Board, Church Erection, Ministerial Relief, Education, Tem- 
perance, Freedmen, and such other benevolences as are deemed wor- 
thy. 

Initiative and Referendum 

The principle of initiative and referendum may be applied to any 
of the provisions of the above agreement, by thirty days notice being 
given, signed by five members of either church. Three fourths vote 
shall be required to amend any of the provis'ons of the above agree- 
ment. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 173 


The Presbyterian Church, Wood River, Neb. 
(1872) 


On January 20, 1872, Rev. George P. Carroll, District Missionary 
presided at a meeting where the following named persons organ- 
ized the Wood River Presbyterian church: James White, John E. 
White, George L. Warner, Frank Marrow, James W. White, Jr., 
William E. White, Mrs. Mary White, Mrs. John E. White, Mrs. Char- 
lotte Warner, and Mrs, Almeda Marrow. James White and Geo. L. 
Warner were elected and ordained to the office of Ruling Elders. 


Preshyterian Chureh, 
Wood River, Nebr. 





Presbyterian Church, Wood River, Nebr. 


The Pastors who have supplied the pulpit since its organization 
are: 

Rev. George R.: Carroll, 1872, 1872 

Rev. George R. Newell, 1873, 

Rey, C. L. Marvin, 1373, 

Rev. Chester Norton, 1£74, 

Rev. George A. Hutchinson, 1875, 

Rev. John H. Raymond, 1876-1880, 

Rev. J. H. Burlison, 1880, 

Rev. A. Folsom, 1882, 

Rev. J: G: Tate, 1883, 

Rev. Hulhorst, 1886, 

Rev. Wolfe, 1888, 

Rey. J. H. Reynard, 1888-1889, 

Rev. Julian Hatch, 1889-1893, 

Rev. Weston F. Shields, 1893 for six months, 
. Rev. Dunlap, 1893-1895, 

Rey. Bellville, 1895-1898, 


174 TH ReHIS TOR YO Te CELTS 


Rev. Ben L. Brittain, 1898, 

Rev. Irwin, 1899-1909, 

Rev. Wallace W. Lorimer, 1909-1912, 

Rev. Horace G. Clair, 1912-1916, 

Rev. C. E. Kircher, D.D., 1916-1919, 

Rev. M. G. Montgomery, 1920-1923, 

Rev. C. E. Seabright, 1923- 

The congregation has erected a manse at a cost of $2500.00. 

The Session is composed of the following Elders: 

George: Crawford, Charles Kunz, L. B. Hall, L. A. Sherrerd, 
George W. Burmood, E. W. Durfee and Olen Cowgill. 

Trustees: W. L. Jones, G. Wiseman, Cora Sherrerd, E. L. Leay- 
enworth, Otha Oldfather, J. Holmes, Ff. Bald and Albert Wingut. 


Alexandria Church. 
(1872) 


It is only possible in this brief sketch to give a synopsis of some 
of the principal events connected with this church, which, if the 
whole story were told, would fill a volume. 

In interpreting the history of the organizat'on it would be proper 
to consider well the motive which prompted a small band of set- 
tlers to bring themselves together into a Christian organization, Un- 
doubtedly they, knowing that the country was rapidly settling, de- 
sired to take upon themselves their share of the responsibility in 
building up the new country. 

On Feb. 11, 1872 at the home of Mr. Morton on the Little Sandy 
on S. W. quarter of Sec. 29, Eureka precinct, occurred the organiza- 
tion of the Alexandria Presbyterian church by Rev. B. F. McNeil 
with the following members: Wm. Bishop, Hannah Bishop, James 
A. Evans, with letters from the Presbyterian church at Monunk, IIi., 
Mrs. Sarah Morton, with letter from the Presbyterian church at Payett 
Wis., J. R. Fulton, Mary Fulton, J. T. Fulton from Organ, Mo. 

William B'shop and J. R. Fulton were elected elders and were 
subsequently ordained on the first Sabbath in April, 1872, on which 
occasion the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered at 
the home of Mr. Williams on the Little Sandy. After Presbytery in 
September, Rev. Cunningham came and labored with them. On the 
first Sabbath in December the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was 
administered at the Mortons’ but Mrs. Fannie Evans was with them 
no more, for the Lord had called her home at the age of 71. 

In February 1873, Rev. George Shultz took charge of this church 
in connection with another church at Meridian. In December Wm. 
Bishop and James Evans withdrew to the Swan Creek church re- 
ceiving the members, consent and geod wishes, leaving but four 


PRESBY'TERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA, Lio 


members. But on January 11, 1874, seven more members were re- 
ceived; among these were Ozro Jackson and wife. Mrs. Mary Nigh- 
tengale and Mrs. Anna Nightengale. At this time Ozro Jackson was 
elected elder, who continued in office until he resigned in 1886, and 
in his official capacity as clerk of the Session, he rendered a great 
service to the church. 

From 1874 until March 1877 there is no record of any session or 
any congregational meet ng. At this time William Bishop presented 
his transfer back to this church and several others were received into 
the church. In April 1877 William Bishop was elected elder and T. 
J. DeKalb was elected Deacon. 


The next meeting of the Session was held at Snake Hollow school 
house, February third, 1878, with Rev. J. B. Vawters as Moderator, 
when seven new members were enrolled. Among them wer Jacob 
Schell, later elected elder, and Mary S. Schell, his wife and son Grant. 
The following month the son of John Z. Shell un‘ted, who in later 
years was known as Jefferson County's veteran school master. Three 
other sons were Rev. Charles Shell of the U. B. Church, Rev. Edwin 
Shell, who was for many years National Secretary of the Epworth 
League; and Dr. William Shell of Dayton, Ohio, who was for 20 
years President of York College. 

On September 22nd, 1878, Francis A. and Carrie H. Newell were 
received into the church, and at Snake Hollow, July 10th, 1879, Henry 
Brunning was installed elder. On August 30th, 1879, Foster Church, 
Merriam Church and Abbie V. Church were received by letter. 

February seventh, 1880, there was a congregat’onal meeting for 
the purpose of electing a Board of Trustees and the following per- 
sons were elected: Foster Church, Francis A. Newe!l, Richard Wil- 
liams, Abraham Frost, T. R. DeWeese, Eisenhart Bailey and Charley 
Sherwood. September 11, 1580, a move was made towards erecting 
a church edifice. At the next meeting, July 2, 1881, Rev. Vawters 
tendered his resignation to take effect the following October. Elder 
Jackson was directed to write the Board of Home Missions asking 
for a pastor. In reply they received word that they had just re- 
ceived an application from Rey. Charles Brouillett, a French Cana- 
dian, asking for a church somewhere in the west. By the first of Oc- 
tober Rev. Brouillett was on the field. In connection with the local 
charge outside appointments were met. One was on Swan Creek, 
fifteen miles northeast, at Elder B'shop’s home, another in the Hel- 
vey School ten miles east, one at Snake Hollow, four miels east, two 
other points, DeKalb and Akin school. 

At the congregational meeting in October 1881, Foster Church 
was elected treasurer, which office he held for almost twenty-five 
years. James Glenn was received into the church June 18, 1882, and 
was elected elder August 4, 1884. 


176 THE HISTORY OF THE 





Presbyterian Church, Alexandria, Nebr. 


At a congregational mecting in August 1883 a committee of three 
was appointed to make plans and draw up specifications for the pro- 
posed new church building. Foster Church, Dr. McGee and Annie 
Nightengale constituted the committee. In September 1884 the 
church was completed and paid for at a cost of $1800.00, including 
fixtures and furniture. The Board of Church Erection granting $500. 
Soon after the congregation moved into the new church it was pre- 
sented with the large Bible, a gift from Mrs. Merrian Church, and 
the communion set was a gift from friends of the church, In that 
year there were forty-three members added to the church, thirty- 
three by profession and ten by letter. Even at this time the village 
was little more than a border town, saloons still remained wide open, 
and race track gambling was very prevalent, but with all this the 
work of the organization continued to prosper. 

On August 3, 1884, James Bell was elected elder and on March 
1, 1885, Mr. Almon Akin was received into the church. He served 
many years on the Board of Trustees as an active and influential 
member. 

Rev. Brouillett resigned as stated supply in March, 1886, but 
continued to supply until a pastor was secured. F. A. Morrison was 
elected elder in 1886. The following November the Rev. H. Cooper 
was secured as stated supply and continued for almost a year. He 
was succeeded by Rev. J. P. Black who remained one year, conclud- 
ing his services in the fall of 1888. 

The absence of any congregational records during the years until 
1893 makes it impossible to give the exact date of the various min- 
isters who supplied the pulpit. Rev. Charles Brouillett was the main 
supply from late in 1888 until February, 1892; after that Rev. Good- 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 177 


ale and Rev. Walkingshaw preached and Rev. A. Letherland served 
the church as stated supply for over one year until April 1893, when 
the church called as stated supply Dr. Vincent. 


In May 1888 Foster Church was ordained elder and held this. 
office until his death in 1911, a period of 23 years and one month, the 
second in length of service as elder in this church. In November 
1888 F. W. Kenyon was elected elder ard served for five years. 


Dr. Vincent took charge of the church as stated supply in April 
1893 and the following month two new elders were installed, Rufus 
Park and C. M. Bacon. Mr. Bacon holding office until his death in 
1917. He lacked a few months of serving the church in this capacity 
for 25 years... Dr. Vincent had charge of the church as stated supply 
for four years until April 1897, and while he was in charge the church 
made considerable advancement, although the financial condition was 
poor on account of the severe drought of 794 and 795. One of his 
sons, Howell, has been a missionary in the Orient for a number of 
years. 

In 1897 Rev. D. B. McLaughlin was called, installed Pastor, ser- 
ving the church for almost two years. He was the first installed 
Pastor of the church, as the former ones were only stated supplies. 
In Nov. 1899 Rev. E. S. Chaffe was elected as stated supply and 
served until April 1908. He was a young man just a few years out 
of McCormick Seminary and this was his second charge. 

On Feb. 23, 1902, J. R. Aten was elected elder and continued in 
office until his dismissal in Sept. 1920. In Sept. 1903 W. H. Rhoads 
was called as pastor and served the church until 1905. In June 1905 
Rev. Samuel M. Forsyth came and remained until April 1907 and 
during his service here the congregazion built the present Manse. 
On March 18, 1905, Mr. C. I. Moore was elected elder, which office 
he held until his death on Dec. 10, 1912. 

In July 1908, the Rev. Lewis E. Humphrey was installed as pastor 
of the church. For the greater part of the preceeding year his son 
Frank had supplied the pulpit. On Aug. 29, 1908 W. F. Starr was 
elected elder and at the present time is the senior member of our 
session. Rev. Humphrey completed his work here in Sept. 1909 and 
in October the congregation called Rev. F. A, Lewis who remained 
with us until March, 1911. 

During the latter part of 1911 and the early part of 1912, the 
church was supplied by the following, Rev. A. B. Byram, Rev. Wm. 
Cooper and Rev. Ralph Orr. In May 1912 Rev. W. N. Gillis was called 
pastor and remained with us until April 1913. In June 1913, Rev. 
Geo. C. Kerstin came to be our pastor and was on the field until 
July 1917, a period of four years and one month. Under his leader- 
ship each department of the church was well organized. On Sep- 
tember 7, 1913, Mr. John T. Cavanaugh and Mr. Francis Joseph 


12 


178 TOE HIS LORY sO te hye 


Newell were elected elders and in the spring of 1918 Mr. John Bar- 
uth and Mr. L. H. Thornburgh and October 3, 1920, Mr. A. F. New- 
ell. 

In October 1917 Rev. James B. Butter was called to the pulpit 
and remained for four and one half years, to May 1, 1922 

Of the eldership of the church there have been twenty-two. The 
members of the session at the present are 

L. H. Thornburgh, Clerk, W. F. Starr, F. J. Newell, J. E. Baruth 
and A. F. Newell. 

The Trustees are F. J. Newell, Chairman, J. H. Glaum, Secret- 
ary, Nellie Moore, Treas., F. W. Starr, W. M. Easley and C.J. 
Dein. 

Thrice has the Presbytery of Nebraska City chosen its commis- 
sionares to the General Assembly from this church, J. R. Aten was 
a commissioner to the 109th General Assembly at Denver in 1907, 
and Francis J. Newell to the 127th Assembly at Rochester, N. Y., 
in 1915, and A. F. Newell to the 136th General Assembly at Grand 
Rapids, Mich. in 1924. 

Under the leadership of student Gilbert Bremicker a beautiful 
and modernly cquipped church edifice was dedicated April 20th, 1924. 
Rev. Ask'n accepted a call as pastor in July, 1924. 


First Presbyterian Church, Central City, Nebraska. 
(1872) 


The First Presbyterian Church of Central City was organized 
August 3 and 4, 1872. 

The first pastor was Rev. George W. Newell, who served from 
August 4, 1872, until August 24, 1878. In June, 1888, he was made 
pastor emeritus. 

The charter members were James and Elizabeth Jane Baird, 
Robert G. and Mary J. Baird, Charles E. and Martha E. Brown, Wil- 
liam K. and Alice Burk, John and M. Ellen Hays, Samuel and Mary 
Ann Leininger, John W. Mart'n, William L. and _Mary Jane Martin, 
Caleb Persing, W. D. and C. O. Townley, David F, and Jennie White, 

The first elders of the church were C. E. Brown, W. L, Martin 
and D. F. White. 

The first deacons were Caleb Persing and John Hays, 

The first meetings for worship were held in a hall over the Per- 
sons store. 

First church dedicated on the present site October 11, 1874, It 
was enlarged twice at subsequent intervals. 

Contract for the second building was let September 2, 1913. Cor- 


Mee] 


PRESBY'TERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA, 179 





First Presbyterian Church, Central City, Nebraska. 


nerstone was laid November 21, 1913, and the building was dedicated 
June 20, 1914. 

The total cost of the new building, furnishings included, was near- 
ly $25,000.00, and the church was dedicated with pledges sufficient 
to meet all indebtedness. 


The Sunday school has been in existence since the church was 
organized. 

The Woman’s Missionary Society was organized in 1883, the 
Christian Endeavor Society in 1888, the Ladies’ Social Circle in 1888, 
and the Westminster Guild in 1919. 

The Semi-Centennial was observed Sept. 14-17, 1922. Present 
membership 340. Of this number 100 are enrolled in the Fellowship 
of Stewardship. 

Ministers of the Church: 


She O UO EMV ae N CU ET Poort ety coe cece tease Aug., 1872, to Aug., 1878 
Does lk aEWOR SOI 2h) n0t Aoi eec stead ade April, 1879, to March, 1881 
SESS ESA ed OS Beg more ee a aa May, 1881, to May, 1883 
NV Gel ISW OL cnsseet me | 505, ee Be rs 54 se Nov., 1883, to May, 1885 
va le SEACH PS p90 gat koe et eae Peer aePers April, 1886, to Sept., 1887 
AMS PETE EY (i Ra os Smee a ak ue ee March, 1888, to May, 1891 
TELS WEST FEO Ma CP SSN a Oe Ce Pe Sa eon July and August, 1891 
pT Cebiai Cart 20 OTR 5 Sate cos hak 8 okt Sabictiehdietessabd Dec., 1891, to April, 1894 


HEL. ELL GENS TEN EY geet eant st, Bee nee April, 1894, to Oct., 1905 


180 RHE HISTORY SO Retr tc 


Albert: Judson 2220s Geek. See ere Oct., 1905, to Aug., 1907 
Charlessia Bio vat cigs seeeoe eee arene ees Sept., 1907, to March, 1910 
Charles. Grew ilanee ae ge aes ees June, 1910, to April, 1911 
ot. PorAndets Ores eee ene ce Oct., 1911, to Sept., 1915 
Syenreynrell. (Cope pyeevaeie a Sept... 19155 to, Hebe 1917 
Thos CES Bo iiit hee eee ee March, 1917, to - 


Rev. William H. Cooper served as pulpit supply from September, 
1918, to July, 1919, while Rev. Thos. Smith was given leave of ab- 
sence by the church to engage in Y.M.C.A. War Work in Texas. 


Federated Church at Fairmont, Nebr. 
(1872 


Sometime in 1871 a movement was started to organize a Congre- 
gational church, but it was not until November 17, 1872, that an or- 
ganization was actually effected. The minister who had come to 
effect this organization was Rev. Abram Maxwell. He remained with 
the church, after its organization, nearly two years. 








Fairmont Presbyterian Church. 


In August 1874 the Rev. Charles Hibbard became pastor and at 
the end of two years he was followed by Rev. ‘Warren Cochran in 
July 1876. In July 1878, the Rev. H. C. Abernathy became pastor. 
During this pastorate of more than eight years, the present church 
building was erected in the fall of 1879 and tthe spring of 1880. 

From Feb. 1887 to August 1889 there were three pastors, Rev. 
J. B. Bidwell, Rev. W. W. Fellows and Rev. Fred R. Bunker. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 181 


ae 


< es 


‘ TL ay 





Fairmont Congregational Church. 


In August 1889 the Rev. T. W. Cole came and was pastor until 
April 1892. when the Rev. A. A. Cressman accepted the pastorate and 
remained until Sept. 1896. The Rev. Tangeman came in the fall of 
1896, and remained until the fall of 1899, when the Rev. C. H. Beav- 
er became pastor for six years. 

Beginning in 1905 there was another period of short pastorates, 
Rev. Gleason, Rev. Schermerhorn, Rev. Lemkau. 

The Rey. William Elwood came in 1908 and remained until the 
fall of 1912. In February 1913, the Rev; A. 7. Evans was pastor 
until the carly part of 1916, when the Rev. W. B. Kline accepted the 
pastorate, and remained with the church until! the full consummation 
of the federation, when in May 1923, both pastors resigned that the 
Federated Church might agree upon a man for the new church. 

The Rev. W. F. Perry, became the first pastor of the Federated 
Church on Nov. 1, 1923. 

The Presbyterian church of Fairmont, Nebraska, grew out of a 
Sunday school organized May 14, 1871, in a sod house, the home of 
Mr. Lawry, on Turkey Creek, six miles south of the present site 
of Fairmont. On February 21, 1872, the church was organized by the 
Rev. David Fleming with thirteen charter members—one of these is 
yet a member and resides in Fairmont, Mrs. Mary Jane Everingham. 
The Rey. A. S, Powell became pastor in 1875 and continued until 


182 THE HISTORY OF THE 


1880. The church had a series of one year pastorates: Rev. W. M. 
Howell, Rev. C. N. Cate, Rev. J. A. Griffes and Rev. J. S. Crouthers. 

In 1885 the Rev. J. D. Howey came and remained until 1891. The 
Rev. A. F. Ashley, M.D., became pastor in 1892 to 1895. He remained 
in Fairmont after leaving the pastorate and is buried in Fairmont 
cemetery. His daughter, Mrs. H. E. Horan, is still an active member 
of the church. 

The pastors after this are as follows: Rev. Clarence Arnold 
Stewart, 1896-1899; Rev. Charles C. Meek, 1899-1901; Rev, A. J. Mc- 
Murtry, 1901-1902; Rev. Ira McConaughy, 1902-1906; Rev. Lyle Wil- 
son Ewing, 1906-1907; Rev. H. G. Clair, 1908-1910; Rev. B. J. Bret- 
houwer, 1911-1913; Rev. Frank Wigton, 1913-1914; Rev. Walter Phil- 
lip Hanson, 1915-1918; Rev. William Eadie, 1918-1919; Rev. J. M. Nor- 
ris, 1919-1921; Rev. D. S. Honsaker, 1922-1923. Dr. Honsaker re- 
signed in May 1923, that the Federated Church might agree upon a 
man for the new church. 

The federation of the two churches was effected at 12:01 A.M. 
on January 1, 1923. Since that time the preaching services have been 
held in the Congregational church and the Sunday school in both 
churches, the Jun’or and Intermediate Departments meeting in the 
Presbyterian church, and the rest of the school in the Congregational 
church. The Junior C. E. meets in the Presbyterian church and the 
Senior C. E. in the Congregational church. It is the purpose of the 
Federated Church to erect a building suitable for housing all the 
interests of the church, in the near future. 


Review of Fifty Years of the Presbyterian 
Church in Fairbury, Nebr. 


(1872) 


In 1869 Jefferson County was an expanse of rustling bluestem 
broken here and there by wocded valleys and dotted sparsely with 
stretches of plowed land. Dug-outs, log cabins, prairie schooners 
and ox teams were commonplace. Graves were stili fresh along the 
Oregon Trail, Indian and outlaw raids were a recent memory, and 
the Pawnees, in p'cturesque cavalcade, still passed through Fairbury 
going to and from their buffalo hunts. 

Fairbury had just been platted and was waiting for the railroad. 
Apparently its promising location had appealed to the home mission- 
aries of several denominations, for both Baptist and Methodist min- 
isters had held services at Fairbury and at other points in the county 
in the Sixties. Late in 1869, so one of our townsmen informs us, Rev. 
B. F. McNeil, then acting as County Superintendent of Schools in 
Beatrice, occasionally rode over to Fairbury to hold services. He 
was the first Presbyterian minister on this field. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 183 


From January 1871, until April of the same year, Rev. McNeil 
seems to have been stationed at Fairbury holding regular services. 
He also preached at Steele City, Alexandria, and in a sod school- 
house near where the Frank Helvey schoolhouse afterwards stood. 
At this time, however, there were not enough persons interested to 
form a permanent organization and two years elapsed before another 
missionary, Rev. H. B. Cunningham, D.D., preached at Fairbury and 
at other points in the county. 

At about this time Nebraska was organized as a Synod and a 
Synodical missionary, Rev. N. C. Robinson, visited the field. A tran- 
script of Mr. Robinson’s letters to the Board gives definite informa- 
tion about the organization of the church. At Mr. Robinson’s request 
Rey. F. X. Miron entered the field in 1873. Mr. Miron was at that 
time a licentiate of the Presbytery of Omaha and he ;seceived his 
commission from the Home Board shortly afterward. 





Presbyterian Church, Fairbury, Nebr. 


On July 12, Rev. Robinscn came again and with Mr. Miron vis- 
ited a number of families and took the names of fifteen persons who 
desired to be organized into a church. On the day following, after 
the morning service, a partial organization was effected and two 
elders, Mr. D. C. Work and Mr. Joseph McCreight, were elected. 
The plan was to complete the organization and observe the Sacra- 
ment of the Lord’s Supper on August 5, when Mr. Robinson ex- 
pected to return. But he was unexpectedly delayed and did not 
return until November. In the meantime Mr. Miron had secured 
eleven more members so there were twenty-six in all to partic’pate 
in the final organization on November 30, 1875. At that time the 
elders were ordained and the Lord’s Supper was celebrated. To 
quote from the book of the minutes of the session, ‘God’s blessing 


184 THE HisToRYsOfeTHE 


warmed the hearts of his people and to the praise of his Holy Name 
were sung hymns of joy and thanksgiving.” 

The Charter Members were: Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Work, Mr. 
and Mrs. McCreight, Mrs. Eva Miron, Mr. Andrew Lindell, Mr. and 
Mrs. Robert Hunter, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Biackhali, Mrs. Margaret 
Mayor, Mrs. Mary Akin, Mr. and Mrs. John Craig, Mr. and Mrs. W. 
H. Letton, Mrs. Harriet E. Davis, Mrs. Eliza Smith, Miss Janet Risk, 
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Risk, Mrs. Hannah Rhodes, Mrs. Maria Ed- 
gington, Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Wallace and Mrs. Jennie Struthers. 

Of the charter members nearly half brought letters from church- 
es in [Illinois and Iowa, two had letters from another Nebraska town. 
There were one each from Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin and 
Michigan and three from Scotland. The rest united with the church 
on professios of faith. 

For the first few years services seem to have been held for part of 
the time at least, in the old Baptist church, which then stood near 
Sixth and B Streets. Rev. Miron and Rev. Mark Noble both had 
other charges and they held services in Fairbuy on alternate Sundays. 

In May 1874, the members of the church met “at 12 1-2 P.M.,” so 
the old record runs, for the purpose of electing a Board of Trustees 
so that the church might legally hold property. The first trustees 
were Mr. McCreight, Mr. Letton, Mr. Wallace, Mr. Work and Mr. 
Craig. In the autumn of the same year it was decided to build a par- 
sonage and Mr. Miron was appointed to solicit funds. Tradition 
says that he not only solicited funds but he with Mr. Work turned 
carpenter. In December he moved his family into what was then 
termed “a commodious parsonage.” 

The next year the congregation undertook to build a church and 
secured pledges for $1500 but because of discouraging business con- 
ditions deferred building for another vear. The foundation was laid 
in November, 1877, and the church was dedicated in’ November, 1878. 
At this service Rev. John T. Baird of Plattsmouth preached the 
dedicatory sermon and Rev. S. D. Roberts of the Methodist church 
offered the dedicatory prayer. 

When Mr. Miron left this field two years later, the church had 
a membership of over sixty. Of course it was still a Home Mission 
church which had to struggle to raise $200 a year toward the pastor’s 
salary. The rest of the p‘ttance was paid by the Board. 

Mr. Miron was followed by Mr. Shyrock who remained only 
six months. After him came Rev. A. F, Randolph who remained for 
three years. It was during his pastorate that the first Missionary 
Society was organized. The records of 1881 again remind us that 
this was a struggling Home Miss‘on. In that year the church re- 
ceived the gift of a communion service from the ladies of a church 
in New Jersey. This service was in use until 1905 when Elder E. E. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 185 


Goodrich presented a service to the church. In 1882 there was an- 
other gift from the East—a hundred books for a pastoral library. 


From 1884 until 1891 the pastor was Rev. W. J. Oliver. During 
his pastorate there was a considerable increase of membership. Two 
rooms were added on the north side of the church. The first Chris- 
tian Endeavor society was formed. There was also another young 
people’s organization—the Presbyterian Belles. This socitey was 
composed of young women but it seems that young men could be 
honorary members. The most noteworthy accomplishment of the 
society was furnishing the new addition to the church building. 


It is interesting to notice that in 1890 several people were given 
letters of dismissal to form a new church at Palms, California. That 
was the beginning of a small but constant migration from our con- 
gregation to California. Hcwever, recent letters from Mrs. Cross 
and Mr. Pease assure us that the Californ‘ans have not forgotten us. 


In 1892 Rev. J. D. Walkinshaw came for a pastorate of a little 
more than a year. Then came Rev. ’. W. Russell who was pastor 
from 1894 to 1897. This was a period of growth and especially of 
activity among the young people. The Christian Endeavor received 
a great impetus and a Boys’ Brigade was formed. The interior of 
the church was remodelled and the long rusty stove pipes d sappeared. 


From 1897 to 1902 the pastor was Rev. B. M. Price who received 
the distinction of the degree of D.D. while he was here. 


After Rev. Price came Dr. J. F. Shepherd whose pastoraie last- 
ed until 1906. That was still in the days when pastors here sometimes 
held Sunday afternoon services in the country and Dr Shepherd used 
to preach occasionally at Gladstone and at a country schoolhouse. 
In these years there was a considerable increase in membership due 
both to Dr. Shepherd’s energy and to successful union evangelistic 
services held in Fairbury. 


Following Dr. Shepherd came Rev. S. A. Caldwell for a short 
pastorate and then Rev. J. C. Tourtellot, who remained four years. 
The Baraca Bible Class, composed of young men and women, was 
organized in the Sabbath school at this time. It was one of the first 
organized Sabbath school classes. 


Then came Rev. S. J. Megaw who was instrumental in arousing 
an enthusiasm for erecting a new church. He also persuaded Andrew 
Carnegie to assist in securing the pipe-organ. 

But a winter and spring of services in the Majestic theatre erd 
a general homeless feeling made everyone look forward to enterirg 
the new church. On the day of dedication in August, 1915, many 
were singing in their hearts, “I was glad when they said unto me, 
‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” 

In 1917 Mr. Hudiberg came for a short pastorate. That year cn 


186 THE HISTORY ORSIHE 


the walls of our church appeared the American flag, the service flag 
and the Roll of Honor, emblems of our deepest interest. 

In the spring of 1918 our present pastor, Rev. P. Arthur Davies, 
came. Our congregation has grown greatly in the last few years. 
Although the church has really been financially independent for a 
good many years, the last tie of obligation was not broken until 1921 
when, at a congregational meeting, the old mortgage was burned by 
Mrs. Gilmore. 

There is little to say about the Sabbath school that has not been 
said about the church, for the two are inseparable. They have in- 
creased and decreased together. The history of both m‘ght be told 
by the biographies of devoted men and women who have given their 
time and vitality without stint; or it might be written from the first 
memories of hundreds of boys and girls. The prayer meeting, also, 
is to be taken for granted. Mr. Miron tells us that while the Bap- 
tists and Presbyterians held their services in the same _ building, 
their Sabbath chools and prayer meetings were combined but that 
as soon as the Presbyterians had their own building they began to 
hold their other meetings separately. 

The Sess’on is: Clerk, S. Allen, J. M. Baker, J. L. Kennedy, A. 
Cross, James Calder and Wm. Schenk. 

Trustees: Pres., . EB. Howell, ‘Treas, S, H7 Diller. @espea 
H. F. Holstein and L. S. Rasse. 


Falls City Presbyterian Church. 
(1872) 


The First Presbyterian church of Fails city, Nebr., was organ- 
ized in 1866 by a commission of the Presbytery of Highland. The 
committee appointed consisted of Rev. J. R. Ramsay, Rev. John 
Lilly and Elder J. McCullough. E. C. Cooley was orda‘ned as elder 
when six members had been received. Rev. Ramsay was at that 
time acting as a missionary in Richardson County, and supplied the 
new organization until his removal to Indian territory. Upon his 
departure to his new field of missionary work, he took with him the 
records of this church and they were subsequently lost. An effort 
was made in 1881 to rep!ace this important record. Rev. W. W. 
Howell succeeded ‘n accomplishing the work. 

Shortly after the departure of Rev. Ramsay, the organization was 
scattered from various causes, and did not, until 1871, have an ac- 
tive existence. April 6, 1871, the boundaries of the Presbytery were 
altered, and Falls City was enrolled in the Presbytery of Missouri 
River, E. C. Cooley being admitted as a member of that body. In 
May of that year a reorgan‘zation was effected, and Rev. A. P. 
Wood assumed the pastorate of the church, which he retained until 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 187 


1873. At the time of the reorganization, but three of the constituent 
members were still communicants. These were E. C. Cooley, Mrs. 
Luentia Miller and Mrs. Sarah A. Cook. In 1873 a church edifice 
was erected at a cost of $2500.00. 





Presbyterian Church, Falls City, Nebr. 


Rev. J. B. Linskea took the pastoral charge in January, 1874, 
and remained something over two years, res‘gning March 16, 1876. 
He was succeeded by Rev. E. M. Lewis June 1, 1876. Rev. Lewis 
remained over a year, and was followed by Rev. F. S. Boyd, who was 
released at his own request, after about a year’s service. He was 
succeeded by Rev. David Street, who remained until January 6, 1881, 
when he removed to Van Wert, Ohio. After his resignation the 
church was without a pastor until the fall of 1881, when Rev. 'W. W. 
Howell, was installed. The church under Rev. Howell became move 
prosperous than for several years previous with a membership enroll- 
ment of forty-four. A Sabbath school was organized in 1864, ii 
charge of Rev. J. R. Ramsay, its members coming chiefly from the 
Union Sabbath School, which had been started in 1359, under the 
superintendence of Mrs. J. Hutchison, The school held its services 
in the court house and later in the basement of the Episcopal church 
until the completion of the church building. When Dr. A. B. Newkirk 
was the superintendent there were about one hundred scholars en- 
rolled. 

The members of the Session in 1881 were A. M. Wing, F. M. 
Spalding and M. W. Hunt. 

The following pastors have served the church: 

Rev. J. M. Fulton, 1883-1885, 

Rev. S. B. Nelson, 1885-1891, 

Rev. J. S. Bell, 1894-1899, 

Rev. David C. Smith, 1900-1902, 

Rev. Sherrod W. Griffin, 1903-1907, 

Rev. R. Cooper Bailey, ‘Ph.D., was pastor from 1908 to 1913. 


188 THE, HISTORY ORS LH Es 


During h‘s pastorate the present church edifice was built at a cost 
of $17,000.00, and was dedicated June 19, 1910. 

Rev. Owen E. Tickner, 1914-1917, 

Rev. William J. Cady, D.D., 1918-1820, 

Rev. H. Frank Reid, 1920- 

The Session is composed of the following named Elders: 

E. N: Dede, GN: Allison; W.-R. Holt, Fred Brecht, .rrors bee: 
Groves, Miles Macomber and Guy Hutchins. 

Trustees: Fred Brecht, Prof. B. J. Groves, Guy Hutchins, Jo- 
seph Worrell, Mrs. Will Schock and Mrs. Will Kramer. 


First Presbyterian Church, York, Neb. 
(1872) 


The First Presbyterian Church of York owes her origin to the 
piety and Christian faith of a few families who came to this state 
from points farther east. The occupants of the frontier homies of this 
community were for the most part Christ’an people. The Bible, the 
hymn book, and above all their fathers’ God, were abiding, vital fac- 
tors in their lives. There were frequent meetings in the homes of 
the community to read Scripture, to sing and to pray. IJMeved as it 
were by a common influence, and anx ous for the welfare of their 
families and the public good, a number of these pioneer families 
came together on the 22nd day of Juiy, 1871, and organized them- 
selves into a Presbyterian church with the following roll of members: 
Mr. A. C. Montgomery, Mrs. A. M. Montgomery, Mr. Robert Charl- 
ton, Mr BOF Belly Mrs Elizabeth Dixon, Mire Ree Ra Graywdondam ities 
B. A. Crawford, and Mrs. Hattie E. French. While neither strong 
in numbers nor rich in material possessions, this goodly company was 
rich in faith and piety A store room, the community school house, 
or, during favorable weather, the shelter of the wide spreading 
branches of some stately elms on the south bank of the Beaver pro- 
vided for them a place of worship. The minister assisting in the or- 
ganization of the church was the Rev. George R. Carroll, the district 
missionary for the Presbytery of Misouri, which then embraced the 
states of Missouri, Nebraska and Western Iowa. The content of the 
faith of these founders of the Kingdom in this community, is beau- 
tifully expressed in the following covenant signed by the first mem- 
bers: 

“Whereas, we believe that the worship of Almighty God is a 
solemn duty as well as high and holy privilege, and is calculated 
to secure the h’ghest good of our race both in time and eternity; 
and, 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 189 





First Presbyteian Church, York, Neb. 


“Whereas, we believe the church of God in its present organ- 
ic Capacity is the great instrument through which God is pieased 


to work in elevating, blessing and saving the world: 

“We do earnestly request the organization of-a Presbyterian 
church of whch we may become members, and to which we 
pledge our loyal support.” 

No doubt the irregularity and the infrequency of services for 
worship during the early years of the church were in large part due 
to the scarcity of ministers and the lack of adequate means of pas- 
toral support. 

The life and history of the church clusters around the following 
ministers of the gospel who supplied the pulpit for longer or shorter 
periods during the first seven years of the chuch’s history: Rev. D. 
B. Fleming, Rev. T. K. Hedges, Rev. A. S. Powell, Rev. W. T. Gib- 
son, and the following have served the church either as pastor or 
stated supply for the time indicated: 

Rev. B. F. Sharp, April, 1878 to April, 1885; Rev. A. F. Ashley, 
May, 1885 to November, 1885; Rev. F. V. Riale, May, 1886 to Septem- 
ber, 1887; Rev. S. M. Crissman, D.D., April, 1888 to April, 1889; Rev. 
J.-D. Countermine, D.D., September, 1889 to November, 1892; Rev. 


190 THE HISTORY OF THE 


B. M. Long, D.D., July, 1893 to January, 1899, Rev. A. Ts Wolen Die 
February, 1900 to March, 1901; Rev. John Creighton, Ph.D., April, 


1901 to April, 1908; Rev. Thomas F. B. Smith, D.D., September, 1908 
to April 9, 1917. The next pastorate began November 1, 1917, and 
continued until Rev, Elmer E. Emhoff accepted a cal! to the Wheeler 
Memorial church of Omaha in 1924. Rev. Paul G. Payne, the present 
pastor, accepted the pastorate April, 1924. 

The first church building was erected during the year 1872 under 
the pastorate of Rey. Fleming, the dedicat’on taking place November 
17 of the same year. This building stood at the southwest corner of 
Lincoln Avenue and Eighth Street, and was erected at a cost of about 
one thousand dollars. In the year 1880, under the pastorate of Rev. 
Sharp, the congregation had outgrown the capacity of this unpreten- 
tious building, and it became necessary to enlarge it. This enlarg ng 
of the building was done at a cost of four hundred dollars. In this 
building the youthful but vigorous and growing congregation wor- 
shipped until the year 1887, when the bu lding again became inade- 
quate to meet the needs of the congregation, It was then decided to 
erect a new brick church edifice on the northeast corner of Lincoln 
Avenue and Ninth Street. Rev. Riale, the pastor, found the people 
willing to respond to the call for funds for the enterprise, and the 
corner stone was land in 1887. The building was compieted under 
the pastorate of Rev. Crissman, the dedication taking place Septem- 
ber 2, 1888. On the day of dedication it was found necessary to raise 
thirteen thousand dollars in order to pay all bills. Of this sum 
eight thousand dollars were raised on that day and the balance of 
five thousand dollars was left for those who came after. 


Dr. Countermine fell heir to this accumulating indebtedness, a- 
mounting to eight thousand dollars during his pastorate. Remorse- 
less grasshoppers, pitiless Kansas breezes and gnawing drought, all 
contributed to the embarrassment, and the liquidation of this par- 
ticular indebtedness will go down in the annals of the church as a 
work of sacrifice on the part of the people and of memorable achieve- 
ment. It was also during the pastorate of Dr. Countermine that the 
commodious and comfortable manse was erected. This additional 
equipment of the cvhurch for service again left an indebtedness, 
which was liquidated during the pastorate of Dr. Long. One of the 
most useful and pleasing features of the equipment of the church is 
the splendid pipe organ, which deservingly occupies so conspicuous 
a place in the auditorium. This instrument of worship was the mem- 
orial gift of Mrs. Anna M. Morgan in memory of her son, Walter 
Leslie, in the year 1905. To provide room for the use of the choir 
and for Sunday school purposes, an addition to the church proper was 
made possible by the generous gift of Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Collings, 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 191 


amounting to about seventeen hundred dollars. Under the pastorate 
of Dr. T. F. B. Smith the expanding, growing work of the congie- 
gation called for an extensive remodeling of the church building. This 
work of remodeling and the building of the Sunday school annex was 
begun June 30, 1913, and the completed building was dedicated Aprii 
15, 1914. The approximate cost of this work was twenty-five thousand 
dollars. A final indebtedness of $6000 on the church edifice was rais- 
ed during March, 1921, and it is gratifying to contemplate that as we 
unite in the joy of this Golden Jubilee occasion, the church is en- 
tirely free from debt. It is through the faithful ministry of pasters 
and the sacrifice of Christ:an people during this long term of years, 
that the members of the church today enjoy a church edifice so 
splendidly equipped for service! 

The spirit of the founders of this church has been an abiding 
spirit. Faith and piety, devotion to the work of the church under 
every circumstance, liberality of gift in means and service, make the 
history of the church notable. Space does not permit relating in de- 
tail the generous sums contributed for benevolences and the large 
gifts of individuals and families in time of the church’s needs. \Vith- 
in recent years there was the gift of $1000 by Mrs. Sarah M. ilar- 
grave, now of Lincoln, and themore recent gift of a simijar amount 
by the late Mrs. E. A. Warner. Others still living have repeatedly 
given with equal generosity. This is truly a golden jubilee day! The 
great legacies of which it rem'nds us make it a day of solemn respon- 
sibility! 


First Presbyterian Church, Hastings, Neb. 
(1873) 


The First Presbyterian church of Hastings, was organized on 
the tenth day of August, 1873. Ten days before this, the Rev. James 
A. Griffes visited Hastings and found several persons who united 
in a request for the organization of a Presbyterian church. The Rev. 
N. C. Robinson was Synodical Missionary at the time, and the or- 
ganization was perfected in the partially built M. E. church, which 
was kindly given for the occasion. 

The charter members were Mr. A. L. Wigton and wife, Mr. Sam- 
uel Alexander, Mr. M. S. Reed, Mr. H. M. Robinson, Mr. H. M. 
Palmer and wife, and Mr. W. M. Snodgrass. 

On September 3, 1873, the church was received under the care 
of the Nebraska City Presbytery, and, in connection with a new 
church at Kearney, Rev. James A. Griffes was engaged as supply. 


The church grew rapidly, and a large number was received from the 
country. 


192 THE HISTORY OF THE 





First House of Worship, Hastings, Neb. 
Dedicated March 18, 1878. 


Early in 1874, a Sunday school was organized in connection with 
the Congregational church. Services at this time were held in a 
public school building. April 1, 1874, our church reported to the 
Presbytery as follows: Communicants, 31; Sunday school, 25; rais- 
ed for minister’s salary, $75.00; for Boards, $14.10. 

It must not be forgotten that more than one-half the church lived 
from ten to twenty miles away. Articles of Incorporation were a- 
dopted and a Board of Trustees elected June 1, 1874. During the 
next year the church more than doubled in membership, and the mon- 
ey raised for all purposes was $238.00. The church grew rapidly, 
and in 1876 it was deemed advisable to divide into separate branches. 
Fourteen persons were dismissed to form a church at Kingston, and 
nine others to form a church at Oak Creek. 

The Rev. John Rutherford ministered to the church for a few 
months, and on July 4, 1877, the Session extended a unanimous re- 
quest to the Rev. D. S. Schaff to become stated supply, and a few 
months later was unanimously called to the pastorate. He was the 
first installed pastor and continued witn the church for four years. 

In the winter of 1876-1877, steps were taken to build a house of 
worship; and in March, 1878, this building, the old Y.M.C.A., was 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 195 





First Presbyterian Church, Hastings, Neb. 


dedicated. It was truly a day of joy for the pastor and the people, 
for it was dedicated free of debt, having cost $3,000. 

The Sunday school was now organized as a Presbyterian Sunday 
school. During this pastorate, one hundred and thirty-nine were add- 
ed to the church. The church at Hansen was also organized in 
September, 1879, by the withdrawel of forty-one members. This 
was the third church that was the outgrowth of the Hastings organ- 
ization, About this time the Ladies’ Home Missionary Society was 
organized. 

October, 1881, the Rev. E. S. Wiiliams was elected pastor, but 
continued only one year. The Rev. W. F. Ringland was pastor-elect 
from 1882 to 1885, and there were one hundred and fifty-one additions 
to the church during his pastorate, 

In October, 1885, the Rev. Geo. T. Crissman became pastor and 
continued for five years. It was during this pastorate that a lot on 
the corner of Seventh Street and Lincoln Avenue, was purchased at 
a cost of $2,500. A building committee was appointed, consisting 
of Mr. Samuel Alexander, Mr. Robert Brown, Mr. C. P. Webster, 
Mr. A. J. Neimeyer, and Mr. L. B. Palmer, 

In the spring of 1888, work was begun on a new church. The 
first service was held in the new church in January, 1889. The cost 
of the building, including organ and furniture was $49,982.24. The 
year ending April 1, 1889, showed a membership of three hundred 


13 


194 THE HISTORY OF SPH 


and twelve. On April 16, 1891, the Rev. Harry Omar Scott began 
his pastorate and was with the church almost six years. During his 
pastorate many were received into membership and the church la- 
bored under a very heavy debt. A strenuous effort was made in 
1895 to clear off a debt of $23,012.05. $13,301.30 was pledged at that 
time. In a few years the debt was all paid. 

The Rev. E. Van Dyke Wight was called April 5, 1897, and began 
his pastorate June 1, of the same year. The debt having been raised, 
the church was ded‘cated with appropriate services, on November6, 
1898. The sermon on this occasion was preached by Rev. J. Ross 
Stevenson, D.D., at present President of the Princeton Theological 
Seminary. Mr. Wight remained as pastor until 1906. In that year 
Rev. C. W. Weyer was called to the pastorate. On Sunday, Sep- 
tember 25, 1910, the church was destroyed by fire. 

Plans were at once made for the rebuilding of the church, and 
the result was our present building, which was erected at a cost of 
about $52,000.00, exclusive of the salvage from the old building. The 
present building was dedicated Sunday, January 14, 1912. The build- 
ing committee was composed of the following persons: W. F. Bu- 
chanan, Chairman) He ley Pease secretary ee) Elem onlesnn nm lemketines 
C..A. Heartwell and) W..l. Blackman. 

In the year 1913 the Rev. J. W. Bean began his pastorate and 
during his ministry the p’pe organ was installed and many forward 
steps were taken. 

On May 30, 1918, the Geo. E. Neweli, D.D., began h‘s ministry. 
The church at the present has over seven hundred members. 

The Session: George E. Newell, Moderator; Wm. M. Nelson, 
Clerk; H. F. Russell, H. W. Snyder, F. B. Reed, C. W. Malone, O. A. 
Riley, F. E. Weyer, J. C. Rosenau, S. A. Haynes, F. A. Heortwell, 
P. L. Johnson, A. M. Jones. 

Tihe Deacons: J. B. Kline, President; C. E. Pratt, Sec’y-Treass 
A. D. Marvel, F. M. McClelland, Dr. J. W. Brown, J. M. Fristo, D. 
Mahoney, D. W. Park, E. A. Fricke. 

The Trustees: Ais Jones, Chairman; H.GuPrattsteeeoek ues 
sell. 


The Presbyterian Church at Fremont, Neb. 
(1873) 


The First Presbyterian church of Fremont was organized, Noy- 
ember 23, 1873 at the Court House in Fremont at a mecting presided 
over by Rev. N. C. Robinson, Synodical Missionary for Nebraska. 

The charter members who enrolled on that occasion were James 
G. Kinnier, his wife Mrs. Annie Kinnier and their three sons, John 
A., Robert G., and James M. Kinnier; William Porterfield, Mrs. Mary 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 195 


Etta Porterfield, Mrs. Mary E. Fullinwider and Mrs. Clara B. Piils-~ 
bury. Of this pioneer band all have passed to their eternal reward 
save the last named, Mrs. Clara B. Pillsbury, who now resides at 
Long Beach, California. 

At the same service Mr. James G. Kinnier who had served as a 
ruling elder in the Presbyterian church of Ireland, was elecieda and 
installed as the first ruling elder of the newly organized church, This 
action was reported by Rev. N. C. Robinson to the Presbytery of 
Omaha and the Fremont church was duly enrolled among the church- 
es of the Presbytery. 

The first pastor of the church was Rev. Alexander S. Foster, who 
served for a time as stated supply at both Fremont and Columbus 
but Nov. 9, 1874 he accepted the invitation of the Fremont church 
to devote all his time to the work here. It was under his administra- 
tion that the first building was completed on the site of the present 
manse at a cost of $3,650, which included the cost of the lot. 

Space does not permit that the unfolding record of achievement 
of this church should be here written in detail. Under the leader- 
ship of the twelve consecrated men who have followed in succession 
to the first pastor, Rev. Alexander Foster, and with the earnest, de- 
voted service of many faithful members who loved the church and 
gave of themselves unstint ngly for it, this church has gone forward 
with an ever widening scope of influence to a rich and blessed service 
in the Kingdom. 

The longest pastorate was that of Rev. Nathaniel Chestnut who 
for more than nine years was a faithful shepherd in this field. The 
pastorate of Rev. C. W. Weyer was marked by considerable acces- 
sions to the membersh‘p. During the pastorate of Rev. J. Frank 
Reid the church edifice was extensively remodeled which gave to 
the church its present building. 

During the pastorate of Rev. Nathaniel McGiffen the spiendid 
manse was built and the new pipe organ installed. 

The present hour finds the church after a half century of history 
with a membership of 475 communicants, well organized and equip- 
ped to carry forward the great enterprise which the last fifty years 
have committed to it. It should be a matter of cons‘derable satis- 
faction to all who love the First Presbyterian church of Fremont to 
know that at the present time there are four young men of her mem- 
beship who are definitely preparing themselves for full time Chris- 
tian service. 

Ministers of the church: 

Alexander S. Foster, February 1874 to March 1876, 

Edwin Schofield, October 1877 to 1880, 

A. B. Byrom, 1880 to 1881, 

P. S. Hulbert, 1882 to 1884, 


196 THEsAHLS LOR YOR aii ss 


George M. Brown, 1884 to 1885, 

Daniel Blose, 1885 to 1886, 

R. M. L. Braden, 1886 to 1889, 

Noah H. G. Fife, 1889 to 1891, 

Nthaniel Chestnut, August 1891 to December 1906, 

Clarence W. Weyer, September 1901 to December 1906. 

J. Frank Reed, June 1907 to February 1914, 

Nathaniel McGiffen, September 1914 to September 1921, 

Raymond V. Kearns, October 1921- 

The Session: Rev. R. V. Kearns, Moderator; S. S. Sidner, Clerk; 
Harry J. Boggs; Geo. S. Brown; W. A. Carroll; T. H. Fowler; Dr. 
Af Harvey: L. V. Meberg; D. D; Rowe; R.-Pr Turner. 

The Trustees: Dr. H. N. Morrow, Pres.; Clarence Anderson; 
C. W. Bisland; John Hoebener, M. M. Mohney; Paul Pascoe; Wm. 
Rinderspacher; Edward Ruwe; Roy Rogers; Ernest Schmidt; Jos. 
TASmithsehoe He speaker 


First Presbyterian Church, Kearney, Neb. 
(1873) 


Time changes all things. Fifty years ago Kearney was nothing 
more than a little speck on broad acres of undeveloped land in this 
section of the Platte valley. A few people had homesteaded her and 
there. Kearney Junction, as it was then called, was the little trading 
point. During these fifty years the town has grown into a beautiful 
little city of ten thousand. 

Her schools have kept pace with her growth until we have one of 
the best public school systems in the country. The enterprising pec- 
ple have secured and made the best State Teachers College in the 
state. The churches of the city have not been backward in their work 
of build’ng and caring for spiritual interests of the city, but have gone 
hand in hand with the progress of the schools until we are able to 
boast of a city of beautiful churches. 

The second church to be organized in this city was tthe Presby- 
terian, which was organized on March second, eighteen hundred and 
seventy-three by Rev. Nahum Gould. Jike many of the other church- 
es, it had a small beginning. There were seven charter members, 
and they were Anna M. Smith, Mary L. Greenman, Edward N. Lord, 
R. B. Gould, L. B. Cunningham, Emma Smith and Emma L. Green- 
man. There are only two of the charter members living, and those 
are Mrs. T. N. Hartzell and her mother, Mrs. Mary L. Greenman, of 
Chicago. The membership has grown from ‘the seven charter mem- 
bers to near five hundred on the roll, at the present time. The church 
began its work in an old saloon building which stood on the south- 
west corner of Twenty-fourth street and Central avenue, where the 


PRED DY tia ANeCOURCHSIN NEBRASICA, 197 





First Presbyterian Church, Kearney, Neb. 


people worskipped until 1880, when they moved into the church which 
they had busit on the northwest corner of Twenty-third street and 
First avenue. Here the congregation worshipped until the first of 
June, 1922; when they entered into the beautiful new church building 
located on the northeast corner of Twenty-second street and Second 
avenue, 

The following ministers have served, the church as supplies or 
pastors: 

Rey. Nahum Gould, who organized the church, served as supply 
from April, 1872, to August 15, 1873. 

Rev. James A. Griffes, from August 15, 1873, to August 15, 1874. 

Rey. Nahum Gould was called to serve the church a second time, 
beginning August 15, 1874, and serving until June 30, 1875. 

Rev. J. Patterson was called to the pastorate on July 18, 187 
and served until 1878, when he resigned. 

Rev. William E. Hamilton was called October 15, 1878, and serv- 
ed until 1879. 

Rey. George Crissman began his ministry in 1879, and served 
until April, 1883. 

In June, 1883 Rev. James D. Kerr became pastor, and served un- 
til April, 1889. 

Rev. W. S. Barnes served the church from July, 1889, until April, 
1895. 

Rev. F. L. Hayden officiated from April, 1895, to May, 1900. 

Rev. James L. Countermine from July, 1900 to June, 1901. 


i 
Dy, 


198 THE HISTORY, OF the 


Rev. A. H. Fraser, from July, 1901, to October, 1908. 

Rev. L. C. McEwen from October, 1908, to December, 1913. 

Rev. J. E. Spencer from December, 1913, to April, 1918. 

Rev. W. J. Willis, the present pastor, has been serving the church 
since November first, 1918. Under his ministry the church member- 
ship has been doubled, and the present beautiful building has been e- 
rected. 

The church is well organ‘zed, having a fine Ladies’ Auxiliary of 
1485 members. The Missionary Society has a membership of more 
than fifty members. The Westminster Guild has a membership of 
some seventy-five. The Men’s Club has a membership of about six- 
ty-five. The Young People’s Society is doing a good work, having 
met all apportionments. But one of the best works being done is 
that of the Sunday school. This school is well organized into five 
departments with superintendents over cach, and Prof. O. A. Wirsig 
general superintendent. The school shows the largest average aten- 
dance ever had. 


Reports show that during the past four years this congregation 
has collected and paid out in actual cash nearly $75,000. The mem- 
bership of the church has been doubled, and the new church building, 
which will cost with furnishings about one hundred thousand dollars. 
has been erected. 


Rosewell D. Gould and Edward N. Lord were the first Elders. 

The Elders constituting the Session at the present time are: 

Re VeiClarik) Barbie Re dadiyan Gans Vill sti Eee Gam bic e kee liom Nieme Eelicitatecs 
Zell) ley lls exes View Gan Gascon Gam VV kGily lens lee) ellen 

The Deacons: L. S. McKeen, Emil Schwarz, George Bischel, 
John Gordon, L. E. Branson, C. W. Clin'te. 

The Trustees: W. E. Lett, John A. Miller, Dr> John) Denzler 
W. J. Scoutt, G O: Fairchild. Blijah Welsh, A. B: Ballah iG) O3De= 
Buler. 


The Presbyterian Church, Wahoo, Neb. 
(1874) 


At a meeting of the Synod of Iowa, South, at its session at Keo- 
kuk, Iowa, held Oct. 17 to 21, 1872, it was ordered that a Presbytery, 
to be called the Presbytery of Nebraska City, should be erected con- 
sisting of ministers and churches in Nebraska lying south of the 
Platte River, an on Oct. 18, 1884, this church was transferred from the 
Nebraska City Presbytery to the Omaha Presbytery, to which it 
now belongs. 

The First Presbyterian church of Wahoo was organized on Jan. 
27, 1874, by N. C. Robinson, State Missionary for Nebraska, in com- 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. Loo 





oe ae 3 St ATE ee = 








Presbyterian Church, Wahoo, Neb. 


pany with William Fletcher, who was our first acting min’ster, and 
the charter members are as follows: 

Mrs. M. A. Cemer, J. W. Pruyn andi wife, Joseph Ford and wife, 
Mrs. Thomas, Prof. H N Rogers and wife, Miss Mair, Lizzie Dech, 
William Dech and wife, Mrs. Sarah J. Bissell, Jacob We'kard and 
wife. 

J. W. Pruyn was elected elder. 

Of this list only one now survives, being Mrs. M A. Cemer who 
now resides at Albuquerque, New Mexico, 

Mabel Pruyn Wetheral was a daughter of J. W. Pruyn and 
wife, and was for many years Clerk, and was always a trusted and 
efficient worker in the church up to the time of her removal to Wyo. 

The Marietta church was the first to be organized in the County, 
and the ‘Wahoo church was second, and these two churches were 
served by the same ministers up to 1883. Our record of the minis- 
ters who served this church from the beginning to this date has not 
been very well kept, but with the assistance of the Rev. Nickerson 
we are able to make this list 
ee ie de gta s Sotards ted el Supplied 
TS OMEOMLS Omit ClU Siemens eee nee ne eee James L. Amlong 
“ceo eta ee ar ee Edward L. Dodder 
CEs lee ne eco See AGS cast atte ona ee a ee enna adm eno ance nde gies James L. Amlong 


200 TH EHS. O RYO Tab Fie 


TSS3-10 tS 8a) WON ae ee cee ar ee Edward L. Dodder 
1886 2G EESS an. cee eee eee Henry M. Goodell 
TS SOMO 1:89. ai 1c Seeuenen es eee ee ee ee Samuel R. Bellville 
LS O Gi ce Nie Sate 5 Se eh Ok Rh ee ee Ed Oe, John K. Sawyer 
LBORSUSOSS sac acyl Oe eee Aen pile ee os res ee es eee Supplied 
if SOO: Y wise a8 eS Paes tee ee ee ew ieee rest Ree a James M. Campbell 
1900 Sr Bate eee are oer ae: See Ae ee Supplied 
pS ]tp eee aay bape et Ria et FSU A DI eh UES EP OY ERD Richard Te’ Bell 
1G 0 Dine ae hg OR a rtd Pewee ee PL Fe eed eT ee es Supplied 
19 OS= 10 OA des setae ee we eae eee 2 ee ee eee Sherrod W. Griffen 
19051906 es StS eee Gis. 3c See Joseph B. Cherry 
LQ ee aa i ae Verne Oe ee Ae Suppled 
1G OS yee ot Bee ee See eee John W. Morgan 
ANoKO aaron AKC Mk apayem <3 basal ed OT ee Emory E. Z’mmerman 
DQ Bee OO Oe eas Pt Sint nee a ee NO Ph a ee ee Supplied 
TOUS at On LOL GP aic ee eee eee ee ee eee J. Wallace Larkin 
LOT FS VO re OOM ty Cae: eee ener ere Seer Edwin B. Whitney 
192051 O CLO 2D 1e Re aera eee i rhe ee eee. ee ee E. J. Nickerson 


As amatter of Presbyterian history in Saunders County, Neb. a 
report was made on April 11, 1873. to the Presbytery meeting at that 
time in Beatr'ce, that Saunders County had been visited by him early 
in the winter, and that he, N. C. Robinson, spoke of a small organiza- 
tion located about 12 miles south of Fremont, situated in the vicinity 
of Eldred P. O. and he also said that there were a few members of the 
Presbyterian church at Wahoo, six or e ght miles south of Eldred and 
other families scattered about the County, and that he felt that it 
was important that we should have a man located in the county. 


Accordingly some two months later, the Rev. William Fletcher 
went there and since that time has been laboring with good success. 

It is reported that on the fourth Sabbath of January, 1874 the 
church at Wahoo was organized, there being 16 names on the petition, 
but the day being stormy only seven werc present, but the church was 
organized and later the other nine petitioners were received, making 
the number 16 in all. 


On Sept. 8 1881 Saunders County was divided and two ministers 
were p’aced in the field. 

In the year 1913 the Ladies Aid of the church built and paid for 
the new or present manse at a cost of about $2,000, this having been 
done in the time of the Rev. J. Wallace Larkin and later about year 
1915, during the pastorate of the said Rev. Larkin, we purchased 
the church building of the Covenanters on the Court House hill and 
moved it to the present location and remodeled and rebuilt the same 
as one sees it at present. 

It will be noticed that from the time we began building our new 
manse until the present time we have always had a regular pastor, 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 201 


and also that we have steadily increased our membership during all 
of that time. 

It might be of interest to know something about the membership 
during the past ten years. We find the number of members in the 
years included in.the last ten years: 


BRM a Soe ae ae tee ee ON ee me Se eo somal oR §8 members 
FL 11.9 aime ere ee Cee Nese Nn aa SAS aS > NY ele SE er Wa R 110 members 
1 (emma enn ine ERR SS ACE. 1 ad Pee Sed he ee 128 members 
Hs ames ee we ees RY oA Te Pea ee Se ad ne 190 members 
TORR se 5 SS sett tet a Re ED ee a OEY 212 members 
BIO) 3 teenie are ere erase oo ae hr eto pe re eee 301 members 


The increase in membership, as you will note by our figures shown 
above, has been about 200 members since Mr. Nickerson has been the 
pastor. 

Elders: D. H. Mills, Emeritus; Joe Bredenberg, Clerk; J. R. 
Thompson, Harry Woodworth, W. J. Hapke, Thorwall Borreson, 
J. M. Lampert. 

Trustees: Mrs. E. O. Weber, Pres., J. C. Hamilton, Secretary; 
Ed. Lehmkuhl, Chas. Larsen. 


Presbyterian Church at Papillion, Neb. 
(1874) 


The First Presbyterian church of Pap llion, Nebraska, was or- 
ganized on March 1, 1874, with a membership of twelve. The first 
pastor of the new organization was Rev. J. R. Brown, who held the 
pastoral office from the fall of 1874 to the spring of the next year. 
In the fall of 1875, Rev. J. Riale was called to the work, and in Sep- 
tember was installed as pastor. The first services of the society 
were held in a hall over the store of Mr. J. J. Brown, but upon the 
accession of Mr. Riale, the use of the German Method’st church was 
obtained. Later, a neat hall was fitted up over the store of W. Sander, 
and just previous to the completion of the new church edifice they 
met in the county court-room, This building was erected in the 
summer of 1878, and dedicated on the twenticth day of October, in 
the same year. Its size is th'rty-two by forty-eight feet, exclusive of 
vestibule and approach, and its cost exceeded $2000, which was 
promptly paid. 

A Sabbath school had been organized in the summer of 1875, un- 
der the supervision of J. D. Patterson, but the winter months caused 
a scattering of the Sabbath school scholars. A new organization 
was effected in the spring of 1876 under the super ntendence of Mr. 
James Kennedy. The list of those who have had charge of the 
school, is, in the order of appointment, as follows: James Kennedy, 


202 THE HIS LORY. O Be CEE 


W. C. McLean, Harris Sprague and George Potwin. Mr, Sprague 
served as an Elder of this church for over fifty consecutive years. 
When the church had no regular pastor it was served by the 
students of Theological Seminary of Omaha. 
Charley Trumble is the Clerk of Session at the present time. The 


church has an enrollment of seventy-five members. 


Hopeweli Presbyterian Church, Near Unadilla, Neb. 
(1874) 


In 1869 Rev. Alanson T. Wood came tou Nebraska commissioned 
by the Home Mission Board. He began preaching at Helena where 
a church was built which was the fcre-runner of the present Hope- 
well Presbyterian church, located about seven miles south of Una- 
dilla. This church was organized hy Rev. N. C. Robinson, District 
Missionary, on June 13, 1874. A church was erected at a cost of 
about $2000.00 and a manse for almost an equal sum. On Sunday 


evening, March 23, 1913, both church and manse were compietely 
destroyed by a cyclone. Rev. C. J. Hannant, who occupied the manse 
at the time, sustained some painful bruises and narrowly escaped 
death. The little flock at once pledged sufficient funds to build 
another church edifice and manse. Mis. Mar'an Cameron, a charter 
member, and her four sons were the prime movers in bringing the 
new buildings to their completion, which was done at a cost of $4500. 
Organ and furniture at an additional cost of $600.00. The new church 
was dedicated in June 1914 by Rev. Thomas K. Hunter, D.D., and 
Rev. Julius F. Schwarz, D.D. Hardly had the dedication services 
come to a close when another devastating wind-storm approached. 
While people of the community hastened to find refuge in caves and 
cellars, trees and smaller buildings were blown down, Mother Cam- 
eron was the last surviving charter member present at the ded'caiton. 
She has since been translated to the Church Triumphant. She was 
born May 6, 1833 and died February 18, 1920. Her two sons, Duncan 
and John and C. A. Parker constitute the present Session. 


The following ministers have served the church at Hopewell: 


Rev. Francis M. Hickok, Rev. Albert R. Erwin, Rev. Orville 
Compton, Rev. Jacob J. Hawk, Rev. Mark L. Milford, Rev. S. D. 
Davis, Rev. J. McC. McDonald, Rev. W. H. Niles, Rev. George Ernst, 
Rev. Ira Miller, Rev. A. B. Byrom, Rev. C. J. Hannant, Rev. B. J. 
Brethouwer, D.D., Rev. A. L. Price, Rev. Martin C. Stonecipher, 
Ph.D. Rev. James B. Kelso is the present pastor, 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 203 
History of the First Presbyterian Church of Beaver City, Nebr, 


(1874) 


The First*Presbyterian Church of Beaver City, Nebraska, was 
organized on Thursday, August 20, 1874, by Rev. N. C. Robinson, 
Synodical Missionary for Nebraska, assisted by Rev. E. N. Lord, Rev. 
G. C. Clark and Rev. J. A. Griffes of Hastings, Nebraska. 

The work was begun by Rev. E. N. Lord who first preached there 
on May 10, 1874. 


There were ten charter members as follows: James A. Gibson, 
Mrs. Mary Gibson, Thomas J. DeKalb, Mrs. Margaret DeKalb, Wil- 
liam H. Sturdevant, W. E. Crutcher, Mrs. Maggie Ayers, Thomas M. 
Williams, Mrs. Anna Williams and Mrs, Elizabeth Moore. 


William E. Crutcher was elected as the first elder and James A. 
Gibson was the first deacon. 


The church has been served by twenty-one ministers as follows: 
Rev. E. N. Lord from August 20, 1874, until September 1875; 


Rev. H. K. Bushnell from May 1876 until May 1879, and a second 
time from April 1881 until April 1882. 

Rev. J. M. Wilson from January 1880 until January 1881. 

Student C. P. Luce during the summer of 1882. 

Rev. C. H. Foland from September 1882 until September 1584. 

Rev. J. P. Baker from May 1885 until May 1886. 

Rey. John Branch from June 1886 until June 1888. 

Rev. Lester S. Boyce from May 1889 until January 1895. 

Rev. W. J. Oliver from February until November of 1893. 

Rev. C. H. Brouillett from November 1893 until May 1394. 

Student Harry Allen during the summer of 1894. 

Rev. P. A. Tinkham from October 1895 until October 1896. 

Rev. James McNab from May until November of 1897. 

Rey. Albert Jamison from March until December 1898. 

Rev. J. Nelson during January and February of 1899. 

Rev. W. H. Miller from April 1899 until December 1901. 

Student D. E. Thomas during the summer of 1902. 

Rev. J. G. Russel from December 14, 1902 until December i, 1908. 

Rev. J. W. Pressly from January 1, 1909 until September 1, 1914. 

Rev. M. D. Berg from March 9, 1915 until November 20, 1917. 


Rev. James G. Clark from February 3, 1918 until February 10, 1924, 


The first house of worsh’p was erected during the summer of 
1879. It was the first church building constructed in Beaver City. It 
continued in use until destroyed by fire on October 1, 1909. 


During the summer of 1910, under the leadership of Rev. J. W. 
Pressly, a new, beautiful and commodious edifice was erected, being 


204 THE HISTORY OF THE 


constructed of brick and tile. The church also has a comfortable 
manse. 

Dur'ng the first fifty years the church has received six hundred 
and sixty three members and now has a membership of two hundred 
and thirty seven, 

Hickman Presbyterian Church, Hickman, Neh, 
(1870) 

The cradle of the Hickman Presbyterian church still stands in 
Rockville, W'sconsin, where most of the charter members were bap- 
tized and received their early Christian training. It was the second 
field and charge to which Rev. John Berk had been called aiter having 
received his discharge from army service in the Civil War, in 1865. 
The people of that community began to realize that with their in- 
vestment of means and energy they could possess larger and miore 
extended land holdings in Nebraska, than they cou'd possibly acquire 
in the timbers of their native abode. -\ small colony votuitcered as 
the forerunners, to set out on an exploring expedition; across the 
day and the night in the glimmering length of the railroad train, they 
crossed the state of Iowa into Nebraska, to the nearest point of 
their anticipated abode. The term’nus of! their adventure was the 
sectional ranges of Lancaster County, where, in the twonsliips of 
Saltilla and Pass, a co!ony from the Nehterlands had already proven 
up on their claims, and organized a church, known as the Dutch Re- 
formed. The Classis of Wisconsin sent Rev. J. W. Dunnewold toe 
organize ths church which was done June 28, 1870. The first mem- 
bers of the Consistory were Christian Gysbers and E. B. Reimes. 
The Deacons were J. \W. Lefferdink and J. Lubbers. .On May 30, 
1871, the Rev. J. W. Tewinkel was called to become the first pas- 
tor of the new organization. 





Rockville Wisconsin, Presbyterian Church. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 205 


The little company from Wisconsin decided to cast their lots 
as neighbors to those who belonged to the “Household of Faith.” 
Here they located on God’s virgin plains with nothing more than 
the green mats of prairie grass and an occasional stone that might be 
used for future building projects; the hideous yelps of the roving 
prairie wolves to break the quiet of the night; and an occasional 
visit of the keen eyed Indians who sought a closer acquaintance 
with a new bread sharing neighbor. Dugouts furnished the earliest 
primitive accommodations, with kitchen, dining room, bed chamber 
and parlor all in one. 


This company of pioneers formed a nucleus for the church that 
was practically the first church in the Synod to furnish the preaching 
of the Gospel in both the German and the English tongues. Their 
first meeting house was a small school building located where the 
present building stands, known as the “Lone Star School,” in Dis- 
trict Ninety-seven. A petition was presented to the Presbytery of 
Nebraska City requesting that a Presbyterian church be organized. 
This petition found favor with the Presbytery. According to notice 
given, the persons who had previously petitioned the Presbytery, 
met on the twenty-seventh day of August, 1878. The committee ap- 
pointed to complete such work was Rev. George L. Little, Synodical 
Missionary, and Rev. Jacob Schaedel. The way being open, after a 
sermon, the committee proceeded to organize the church., The fol- 
lowing named persons entered into the Christian fellowship: 


Charter members: (Deceased:) 


Jacob Kuster, Dorothea Kuster, August Kuster, Konrad Brunke, 
Heinrich Schwetger, Kathrine Schwetge, Henry Meyer, Caroline 
Meyer, Henry Roepke, Dorathea Roepke, Caroline Lefferdink, Mrs. 
Fleck, Conrad Brunke, Jr.,. August Dickman, Louise Dickman, Karl 
Heupel, Conrad Breihan, Adam Heupel, Eva Heupel, Fritz Wissel, 
Hannah Wissel. (II Timothy 4: 8.) 


Surviving: Anna May, Mary Birt, Sarah Kuster, Benjamin F. 
Garner, Mrs. Emma Garner, Regina Brunke, Henry Brunke, Fritz 
Wissel, Jr., Joeph Brunke, John Brunke, Henry Meyer, Dorothea 
Meyer, Lou's and Johanna Dickman. 


Then the following persons were duly elected Ruling Elders of 
the new organization: 

Jacob Kuster fori three years, Konrad Brunke for two years, 
Henry Schwetger for one year. 

Fritz Wissel and Henry Meyer having been elected Deacons, 
were at the same time ordained and installed. 

The following named persons were elected Trustees: Fred Wis- 
sel for three years, Henry Meier for two years, August Kuster for one 
year. 


206 LIE aS DO YR O beh bre 


The Rev. John Berk who was still pastor at the Rockville church, 


was chosen as their first pastor, and accepted the call to his third 
field of labor. 

As the months passed the colony grew; relatives and friends 
from Illinois state, also from Gasconade, Osage and Franklin counties 
of Missouri, were attracted to the new country. 


In the first Session meeting held January first, 1879, the following 
persons were received into the full communion of the church; Lud- 
wig Remmert and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Nieman, Emily Berk, 
Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig Leirer, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Feiss, William 
Dickman, Mr. and Mrs. Sievers and Charley Lynn. 


In the next Session meeting, September 24, 1879, Mr. and Mrs. 
George Kling and Mr. and Mrs. Herman Liesveld were enrolled. 
Soon after Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Offer and family of four daughters 
and eight sons became members. 


After having had several congregational meetings for the pur- 
pose of erecting a church edifice, as well as a home for the pastor, 
it was decided that lots for such buildings be purchased and that the 
village of Hickman be the choice for the site for locating the new 
church home. A frame edifice with dimensions of 24 by 36 feet was 
erected in 1879 at a cost of $1856.35. 


In 1889 it was voted to build an addition with d'mensions of 20 
by 24 feet, and a tower 10 by 10 feet, serving as a vestibule for the 
“LL” shaped edifice. The amount gathered to defray the cost of said 
additions was $1062.50. 

The congregation and its pastor were now comfortably housed; 
yet, there was one matter of deep concern to the congregation, and 
that was the question, “Where shall we bury our dead?” A special 
meeting was called for September 21, 1880. It was voted that the 
Trustees be authorized to purchase three acres, bordering on the pre- 
sent church property to the east, which ‘is today the beautiful ceme 
tery belonging to the Hickman Presbyterian church. 


The growth of the membership roil taxed the seating capacity 
and again the congregation found it necessary to meet the require- 
ments of the increased attendance. To this end a congregational 
meeting was held March 21, 1916, when it was voted, that an addition 
with a basement be built. This was done the same year ata cost of 
$2987.14 which presents to us the church as it stands at the present 
time. In the same meeting the congregation decided to dispose of the 
manse, which was soon sold and removed, giving place to a new and 
modernly equipped manse at the cost of $3171.88. When all was com- 
pleted the building committee reported that all obligations in erect- 
ing the two buildings including new furniture, had been met, leaving 
the church free from any debt or mortgage. 











Presbyterian Church, Hickman, Neb. 
1924. 


208 THECHISTORY 20 herr 


‘Twenty full years had passed when there came a heavy cloud 
over the flock. Their much beloved Pastor, John Berk, met with 
a painful accident that resulted in blood poisoning. The pioneer 
Pastor began to realize that he would soon close his eyes to the 
scenes of this world and open them to the glories of his Lord and 
Savior. Fully reconciled, with the joy of a Christian in his heart, he 
said to those at his side, “I have never felt happier than I do at the 
present time. I know that my Redeemer liveth. I have endeavored 
in all earnestness to preach the truth to my devoted congregation.” 
Then the precious soul of a great and good pastor went heme at 
five o’clock in the morning of September the twenty-third, 1898. He 
was born March 23, 1836; ordained in 1862. 


SN 





Rev. Lucas Abels. 


The shepherdless flock began to scek and pray that they might 
find a “Man after God’s heart.” After many futile attempts to call 
a successor the congregation was called to meet on November 1, 1899. 
At this meeting the Rev. Lucas Abels of Ashton, Iowa, was chosen 
and unanimously called to serve as Stated Supply, which call he ac- 
cepted. On September 8, 1900, Rev. Abels was installed as pastor. 
His ministration in this pastorate continued almost sixteen years, 
when his strong frame began to indicate a decline in health. He be- 
gan to feel his inability to render the required service to the numer- 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 209 


ical growth of his flock. After a lingering illness of several months 


he passed to his reward, September 12, 1915. On the fifteenth day 
of the same month a vast concourse of people gathered in tle church, 
where for sixteen years the pleasing voice of a powerful preacher had 
proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was born December 17, 
1851; ordained April 23, 1874. 

Again the question was asked, “Upon whom shali fall the mantle 
of the ascended ambassador of Christ?” “Whence shall we turn and 
where shall we seek?” Many names of ministers were suggested and 
cach declared that their particular choice weuld be the man suited 
to the field. In a congregational meeting held February 27, 1916, a 
unanimous call was voted for the pastoral services of Rev. Julius F. 
Schwarz, who was at that time Synodical District Superintendent of 
Home Missions for the Synod of Nebraska. The newly elected 
pastor assumed charge of the field May 1, 1916, and was installed as 
pastor August 27, 1916, which is also the anniversary day of the or- 
ganization of the church. Rev. Schwarz had just entered upon his 
ninth year with the Hickman church. He was born May 30, 1869; 
licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Dubuque, September 19, 1900, 
and ordained by the same Presbytery April 18, 1901. He rece ved 
the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the Hastings College in 1920. 

Albert E. Boell, a member of this church, was received under the 
care of the Presbytery of Dubuque as a candidate for the Gospe! Min- 
istry and entered upon his course of studies in 1899. He is at present 
the pastor of the Presbyterian church in George, Iowa. 

Members of the Session: Ludwig Remmert in 1880, Frederick 
Boeke and Ludwig Leirer in 1900, John M. Essert in 1899, Fred J. 
Grote in 1902, Henry B. Suiker in 1918, Frank G. Offer in 1917, 
Henry S. Heckman in 1919. 


In summing up this history the follow ng figures are to be noted: 








eGeine (amo lige Ey xcatnitita tO 1am eres eer oe eee ek ye ee 467 
Lety OUR s Eh RET Gia 2 FEA SS ER abe era eS AN ee 87 
iiorcalmlveceivedsintort ies Ghuncin mss 554 
IDngimnseecl qrey (Ofnnvere (Ou bite RS os ogee ee ee eee 132 
CeCe time D SCI ta ie [SIS € wees obec ein in eee see rk os ies od 69 
PD EGEASE Uhm ree se se. ee ee en eee Bee Ne seg cates ta wt 64 
-, “GR@uelY ANGH Gay pycsered We ens arp et ot ean ee ee ee 265 
Ateiell IN\ieimpyesr Chi (Cropenviahbronceyinis: oe ee 289 
The church has contributed towards Benevolences .... $27,466.00 
For General Assembly, Synodical and Presbyterial ........ 881.72 
For congregational current expenses and buildings ... 53,039.57 
WANES Cop ee Leet le Rt) ts eee Rae a ene ieee $81,387.29 


14 


210 (THEA HISTOR MO PEE 


The church has a Sabbath school with an enrollment of about 
175; a Ladies’ Aid Society, Christian Endeavor Society, Senior, Jun- 
ior and Intermediate; and a Young Ladies’ Guild. 

The officers of the church at the present time are: 


Elders: J. Henry Fieselman, Paul G. Fieselman, George Kling, 
Henry J. Oldermeyer, M. T. S. Liesveld and John Petermeyer. 

Deacons: Ira Birt, Benamin Offer, Fred P. Lesoing, Charley H. 
May, John Kuster and Frank Ver Meer. 

Trustees: Guy Birt, Benjamin F. Garner, Jake Kuster, Otto 
Wissel and Albert Wissel. 


Che Fdeal Minister's Wife 
———__ 


I’rom bungalows to mansions large 
She move with easy grace, 
And tries to make the furniture 
Fit any kind of place. 
The rugs, they almost never fit, 
The curtains, not at all; 
The draperies, they clash and fight 
With paper on the wall. 
Some wives would sit them down and cry, 
Some vow they’d quit this life, 
But not the one I sing about— 
My ideal minister’s wife. 
In parish new and faces strange, 
Five hundred names she learns in haste, 
Nor fails to tell the manse committee 
The house is fitted to her taste; 
The town’s just right, the climate, too; 
The Church is surely grand; 
To say it all and mean it, too, 
Well—say, it takes some sand. 
To fix in mjgnd each face she meets, 
To never show she’s blue, 
To smooth the ruffled plumage 
Of disgruntled members, too; 
To sympathize, to ‘help, to share 
The burdens of the flock, 
Nor let the parson’s Monday rest 
Be holden to the clock. 
So there’s to you, ye wives of us— 
God bless you every one, 
You've never failed us, come what might, 
From morn to set of sun; 
You strengthen us, hold up our hands, 
As did the saints of old; 
You write up half our sermons, 
If very truth be told. 
Some wives would sit them down and cry, 
Name o’er their burdens all their live S, 
But not the ones we sing about— 
Oh, you ideal ministers’ wives! 
E. A. Thompson, in The Congregationalist, 


CONDENS AN Dai N DEX; 


CHAPTER IV. 


HALF A CENTURY OF PRESBYTERIANISM 
IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA. 


Name of Church Page 
First: Gaur Ine. secs cs eta ee ay ee cee ee 214 
Central Chur ch 2 2 Se eee ee en ee eee 219 
Southwest 4M "Sse tty cscs soe ee eer ee 219 
Third Ghurec he ae ee ee See ee 219 
Secorid -Churchias £03 yo Te ee na eee ee 220 
Knox: Chiatr ch Moe foie ee ee 220 
North *Church 22228 ee eee 8 ee ee 221 
South) Omahay Wheeler ire rece ee ee eee 226 
First: German, ‘Bethany. eee ee ee 23m 
Clifton. Hill oe ee ee ee eee eee 242 
Covenants Chir ci ecco sa aaa eee 232 
Parkvale “Chrurcht efecto ee eg ee ee 232 
Westminster “Church! 202.242 2:n See ee ee 236 
LowecAvenue, Church™ 2s Ste eet eee eee 241 
Dundee; Church. 5.288:..0. ee 244 
Castéllar StreetuClrure hy ete res oe ee 228 
Forest.Chapel seciv.05 bec ce ee os 217 
Omaha, Bohemian Brethrenms 231 
Bohemian Church Souths © ria hia eee eee eee ee 231 
Benson: Church ve. ee oa 244 
Fairview Church, 22/2125. no eee 235 
Miller Park Church >.2223.3. ee 243 
Saint .Paul’s”. Chapel cr 0e cece srecece tcc cessug ute See 244 
Church Extension ; Work 2.24.22. 51.23 5c ee 243 
Educational -Developments sho). 20-30. o0 ee eee 245 

Qmaha Theclogicalu Seminary sae ee ee eee 82 , 245 

University, of (Omaha! 7222 ee 248 


Illustrations: University -Buidinos 22... 2 ee ee 251 


Che Mother Church 





Edifice of the First Presbyterian Church, formerly located at 
Seventeenth and Dodge Streets, Omaha Nebraska. 


CHAPTER IV: 


A HALF-CENTURY OF PRESBYTERIANISM 
IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA. 


First Presbyterian Church of Omaha, Neb. 

Aside from the existing Presbyteries, an ecclesiastical organiza- 
tion of the Presbyterian Church has been maintained in Omaha since 
its beginning in 1857. The new village at that date began improving 
rapidly. The population was estimated at 1,600. 

In April, 1857, the Rev. George P. Bergen, a missionary of the 
Old School Presbyterian Church, came to Nebraska, and on June 14, 
of that year, organized the First Presbyterian church of Omaha, the 
initiatory sermon being preached by the Rev, A. F. Billingly of Flor- 
ence. 

In this organization Dr. John M. Kuhn, Robert Smiley and Dan- 
Jel Gantt were-elected Ruling PiderswO, P Hurford eal Cook and 
B. D. Barkalow, deacons of the church, the other members consisting 
of Dr. G. C. Monell and wife, Mrs. Mary M. Bently, Mrs. J. M. 
Kuhn, Mrs. Robert Smiley, Mrs. Daniel Gantt, Mrs. B. P. Barkalow, 
Mrs. E. F. Cook, Miss Anna M. Monell and Miss Nannie Smiley. 

Rev. Bergen remained with the church until April, 1859, when he 
withdrew to other fields of labor, leaving the society without a pas- 
tor until December of the same year, when Rev. George Webster as- 
sumed the pastorate, with Ezra Millard and John R. Meredith as 
Ruling Elders. Rev. Webster continued with the congregation until 
June, 1860, when the church weakened by internal dissensions, and, 
weary of fighting against financial difficulties, gave up the struggle 
for existence as an organization, and practically dissolved, although 
but few of its members united at this time with other churches. 
There was also a financial panic, which continued through the year 
1858, which held in check the progress of both the village and the 
church, 

Prior to the arrival of Rev. Bergen and before any Presbyterian 
church organization whatsoever had been effected, a Sabbath school 
was established in a private school room on Howard street. This 
was on July 20, 1856. The records show William Young Brown to 
have been superintendent and John Kellom assistant superintendent. 
The teachers were A. Kountze, T. J. Herford, James W. Virtue, 
James Graham, Mrs. J. H. Kellom, Mrs. Dr. Miller, Miss A, J. Goud- 
will and Miss L. A. Goodwill. Of the pupils there appear the names 
of Carrie Goodwill, Pholona Lemon, Jenny Lind Lemon, Franklin 
Lemon and William Henry Lemon. This school appears to have 
been something of a union organization, the subsequent establishment 
of various churches causing a disintegration of its elements. but its i- 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 215 


dentity was preserved throughout the year, until in 1857 it was ab- 
sorbed, or taken in charge by the Presbyterian church, by this 
church it was conducted until June, 1860, at which time it had fifty- 
one pupils enrolled. 

Rey. Francis M. Dimmick was sent to the field by the New School 
Board of Missions to establish a society, if it seemed practicable. Rev. 
Dimmick was a graduate of the Lane Theological Seminary of Cin- 
cinnate, Ohio. On November 7, 1860, he was ordained to the Gospel 
Ministry in the Second Presbyterian church of Cincinnate On the 
27th of the same month he started for the West. His first sermon in 
Omaha was preached in the Congregational church, December 15, 
1860. On Wednesday, December the 19th, a meeting was held at 
which an organization was resolved upon, this being accomplished 
December 23, 1860, with a membership of twenty-four, twenty-one cf 
whom were admitted by letter. The name was chosen as “The Sec- 
ond Presbyterian Church of Omaha.” The Ruling Elders of the 
new church were Andrew R. Orchard, Robert Mitchell and John H. 
Kellom. Deacons: Oliver P. Hurford and Edward F. Cook. Trus- 
tees: James P. Black, Oliver P. Hurford and Edward F. Cook. 


The organization was incorporated by special act of Territorial 
Legislature, January 11, 1861, with John H. Kellom, A. R. Orchard, 
E. F. Cook, O. P. Hurford and Robert Mitchell, Incorporators. 

Rev. Dimmick continued to preach regularly in the Congregation- 
al church until the last of March, 1861, when he went to the east to 
endeavor, in the face of severe stringency of the times, to obtain 
funds to assist in erecting a church edifice, a trip that was doomed 
to disappointment. He returned on August 22. and on the 25th and 
the Sabbath succeeding, again preached in the Congregational churceli- 
The society then removed to the Baptist church located on Douglas 
between Fifteenth and Sixteenth streets. Here they continued to 
worship until the 17th of November, 1861, when hv seating the Court 
House hall, they were enabled to occupy it, which they continued to 
do until June 5, 1864. 

At this time the Congregational church was without a pastor, 
and at the solicitation of that denomination, they returned to the 
Congregational church, Rev. Dimmick preaching to both societies un- 
til October 30, 1864, when the Presbyterians again had recourse to 
the Court House hall. They were here something over a year again, 
returning to the Congregational building on November 19, 1865, re~ 
maining until December 20, 1868. 

October 6. 1864, at the annual meeting of the church. the first 
steps were taken looking toward the erecting of a house of worship. 
The site was purchased at the corner of Seventeenth and Dodge 
streets for $1250. At this time the church had a membership of fifty- 
five communicants. In July 1866 the first contract was let for the 


216 HEH bod ORO Bae Dr is 


new building and the basement completed sufficiently to hold a ser- 
vice in December, 1868. The building, when completed, cost about 
$30,000., and was dedicated in December, 1869. The congregation 
worshiped in this builling until June, 1916, when the property was 
sold for $50,000, and the building project at the present site, Farnam 
and 34th streets, was begun. There are four lots facing Farnam 
street, The parish house or Sunday school wing of the church was 
soon completed and occupied for church service until March, 1917, 
when the present beautiful and modernly equipped house of worship 
was dedicated at a cost of nearly $200,000 and has a seating capacity 
of 1,000. The total number of members at present is 1100. 





First Presbyterian Church, Omaha, Nebr. 


The pipe organ was installed at a cost of $16,000 by the United 
States Senator Millard and dedicated to the glory of God in sacred 
memory of Mrs. Millard. 

The bell in the tower was a gift from Mr. and Mrs. O. F. Davis. 
Mr. Davis was an elder of the church. He also established what is 
known as the “O. F. Davis Fund.” This fund grants loans to con- 
gregations wishing to meet their obligations in completing their 
house of worship. 

At the annual meeting in April, 1923, Mr. Walter Head, Pres- 
ident of the Omaha National Bank, presented an offer from Miss Jes- 
sie H. Millard, daughter of the late U S. Senator Millard, of $60,000 
as a memorial gift in honor of her father for a new addition to the 
church edifice upon condition that the church wou!d purchase the 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. ZAT 


lots just west of the church, known as the Rosewater property and 
would pay for it within five years. The offer was accepted and the 
purchase price of $46,500 was subscribed. On the first of May, 1923, 
the pastor’s family moved into the new manse. The proposed new 
addition is purposed for expansion of the Sunday school and as a 
community center. 

In the sixty-four years of the existence of the church it has had 


only six pastors, namely: Installed 
ene IORI NL, TON bie oo ee December, 1860 
Reva GEore er Daeote walters wen ee ee eres October, 1870 
eng, WSU Ti. Welebese ly IDD), nee eee July, 1877 
IRS. Wenrves INE: TAVIS ON Ny ees oo a ee eee May, 1893 
Rev oanuelso eM cG@ormickieDeD hacia December, 1894 
Incr IDahyater dake Ices. IDID). te eee October, 1899 


Dr. Edwin Hart Jenks, D.D., was born March twenty-fourth, 
1862, at Janesville. Wisconsin. He graduated from Hamilton Col- 
lege in 1886, and from the Auburn Seminary in 1888. He was licens- 
ed in April 1887 by the Presbytery of Cayuga, and ordained by the 
same Presbytery May, 1888. He has received the degrees of A. D. 
and A. M. from Hamilton College, and the title of Doctor of Divinity 
from Coe College. His first charge was at Lakeport, Cal., from 1888 
to 1891; Red Bluff, Cal., from 1891 to 1895; First Church of San Fran- 
cisco from 1895 to 1898; Second Church of Los Angeles from 1898 
to 1899. In 1899 he accepted the call to the First Presbyterian 
church of Omaha, entering upon his twenty-sixth year. The con- 
gregation has been enriched by a marked growth in membership 
during the present pastorate, and in appreciation of the untiring 
service rendered by Dr. Jenks an associate pastor, in the person of 
Rev. Elmer B. Whitcomb, was installed May 22, 1924. 

The first church has always had one or more missions under 
its care. One was the Mitchell Chapel near the Union Depot. This 
was abandoned when the railroad purchased all of the property for 
trackage. The Grace Chapel was started on Sixth and Williams 
streets, and was for many years supported by the First church until 
two years ago when it was turned over to the M. E. church. 

The church is now conducting a mission at Thirteenth and 
Phelps streets, where a beautiful chapel has been completed. This 
is known as Park Forest Chapel. It was originally under the care 
of the Castellar Street church and was started years ago under the 
pastorate of Dr. J. M. Wilson. The splendid work carried on by this 
mission with the cooperation of the First church and Church Ex- 
tension committee has revealed the utter inadequacy of the old build- 
ing and equipment, and in order to efficiently minister to the neigh- 
borhood which is without other Protestant religious influence, the 
present new site and building became a necessity. 


218 


JUs08; InLGSMROUR YY QUE Ielells. 
The officers of the church at the present time are: 
Ruling Elders 

Service Term 

Began Ends 
See eee DOSE G Keres acee eon ee eee eee em 1918 1924 
[sxa@yonesse. NOXSNaUDNSS 5s po ec wi eee ee 1900 1924 
WVIRES 2 (Gri DD Sp VL se 1D) ene ee mae cs sie ee a oa 1896 1924 
AYN CUNE MEMES ee Wet b oul) cme eat sk eas ors Reames eae co Meas, 1920 1924 
NWR BE Exo op ragicu ie eet rear yearend fetes Soe 1919 1924 
EAM cGlasson ea ee oe ee ee 1920 1924 
A Bil Gat pentetn sae srtent ie pate eet aes eee ee 1918 1925 
Ate LO tid Bee ee ee ee 1888 1925 
J Ra GOld ene Ses a ee 1923 1925 
SY Vier al like ree ok eS ae re ee 1919 1925 
Wed sires ial © yee IV cai) ears e eee eee eee, ae ne 1894 1925 
Warren Siwitz le rier 5 ey eee aan eee 1920 1925 
I ewuay cpa mle Vea Fhancy extent tt a cee io ate ee 1911 1926 
PaWgeiueiweden.coulleiM tem nee cae ee ee ny te er ge oh oe 1923 1926 
Brank Sb Glan abe tee ore teat 2 eae nae he ee 1914 1926 
| DS SE Wa nS seer eee ee See ne ee 1923 1926 
Howarde Ken ned ys see en ee eee 1917 1926 
WAVmalhieWaawe NW WeKGrosmankelele cca ee he Sa ee ne 1912 1926 

Deacons 
Ee SB rump atti obi, eters eee ee oe ne ee 1924 
A. Aa* Kantie dy eer oe Ae aa ee ee 1924 
Louis. Le IM ur p hie yr jeter eae ee ee 1924 
it ER Ob erise 2 cso cee eee eee had ee ere 1924 
FDS) GROG Stetson vi en ak Pee ree 1924 
M> He Blackwellsecss5 3,8 SS ee ee oe) eee eee 1925 
Hs Ru Bowen" 222) ae ee ee he ie ee 1925 
Kennethiel inlaysor 2 sete ee ee 1925 
Ay La Hobbs 2.7 ee ee ee 1925 
Gee DereDunniclith pons ier et on ede 1925 
We Wo Davenport 5 o's sic2 ice es een ere 1926 
APRN OE a by ofov ably ee Ace pee ea eo ne ies es rol ewe 1926 
JB. Ralph My D oe ae ae ee ee 1926 
Al) FoatRaSp. Ae eee oe i he pale a ie es 1926 
Ae Pel Wis Ot cg tceiea each ie karte oe one te 1926 
Trustees 

Rov Viz Cole: take 2: oes ee he ee ee 1924 
PalmerePindley,¢Mo D. omienctc ec ee 1924 
Eilott Gilmore i Mero ee ee, i 1924 
GAA? Grimmel eon Dae 28s ee ee see he 1924 
C. MoeWilhelim, sete eo ee ee 1924 


Ay Go SA Pénid Sara oe ay ear A = 1925 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. AA 


Ty Esler 8 ee ches Cl Ne ees eee eee see nee Se Sea teeth cee 1925 
ENN DSP San oN OR I err eee ero 1925 
FEIN MUL OG, coker cbaan scab ee Seacrest ccna Sennen pate ner tenes incr emosnas 1925 
WL OND Roget py Ce bute Ges Wc: SR cope: ara eS ARNO Sho eee = a Re Pee 1925 
WSR aod SA gto oy Wak Co nga Mee Ve PP pee ete seen eee ere a 1926 
INGE: Deh TEM fs ie a en RN eee a Ae Eee 1926 
WAV ANS US CTGIP ooo a a i Soa a ee eee 1926 
TENOR CHS ER MOPS ee a a ea ee rere eee ee 1926 
Ge Woh ater ae tN Age MB) 6 ea ne eae er eres any Ar tee Ree oe eee cen eee 1926 


Central Presbyterian Church. 

In December of 1870 Rev. Francis M. Dimmick returned to O- 
maha, and organized the Central Presbyterian Church, with a mem- 
bership of about eighty. They occupied the Tabernacle Baptist 
building, on Eighteenth street, where they worshiped as a society, 
until Rev. Dimmick received a call from California, whereupon the 
organization dissolved, most of the members returning and reunit- 
ing themselves with the church from which they came. 


The Southwest Presbyterian Mission, 

This mission, now known as the ‘Third Presbyterian church of 
Omaha, was originally a mission supported by the First church. 
This mission was organized in 1881, under the auspices of the ‘“Sec- 
ond Presbyterian church,” now known as the First Presbyterian 
church. It was through the arduous labors of Mr. Joseph France 
that this mission was called into existence. The building which it 
occupied on the corner of Twentieth and Leavenworth streets; was 
presented by Ezra Millard. 

On May 7, 1905. the Third Presbyterian church was organized by 
Rev. Edwin Hart Jenks, D.D., and Rev. John E. Spencer became 
the first pastor. 

There were seventy-five charter members, seven of whom are 
yet enrolled in the church. Sixty of said members transferred by 
letter from the mother church. 

Three elders composed ‘the first session, elected May 7, 1905: 

Wm. J. Morgan until 1907; Wm. McCormack until 1908, and A. 
D. Schermerhorn until 1909. 

Of these three Elder A. D. Schermerhorn continued as Ruling 
Elder in this church until his death in July, 1922. No history of Third 
would be complete without speaking of the large part he had in mak- 
ing Third what it has been through all these years. For eight years 
previous to the Third church organization he gave himself to mission 
Sunday school work in this place. He championed the cause of 
Third at very great sacrifice to himself. He was especially loyal to 
the Boards of the Church, ever determined that the church should 


220 THESHISTORYeO ba Gib 


meet its quotas. Brother A. D. Schermerhorn and Brother Alexander 
Gray, with the church for sixteen years, set a standard for this 
church which has made it a mighty moral and spiritual force in this 
city. 
Nor must we omit the great labor of love of Mrs. Kate Copeland, 
who has long served as Parish Visitor. Thousands, old and young, 
rise up to call her blessed. Mrs. Copeland has been a constant fac- 
tor in the midst of the varying changes in Third. Her unceasing 
labors in behalf of the church and of the community have borne 
most precious fruit. 

The following have served this church as pastor or stated 
supply: 

John E. Spencer, 1905-1906, 

Joseph B. Cherry, Ph.D., 1906-1908, 

William E. Todd, 1908-1910, 

F. P. Ramsey, Ph.D., 1910-1912, 

Charles" Herron, DIDF 1913-1915; 

Robert Carr, 1915-1917, 

Raymond J. Rutt, 1918-1821, 

Wm. H. Jordan, 1921-1924. 

Present Session: Floyd Rosenfelt, Clerk; Wm. H. Vickery, 
Harry H. Saroo‘an, Elmer J. Larson, Ernest L. Decker. 

Third is a down town mission center, composed mostly of young 
people, and is without adequate income for the great work it should 
be doing. Its membership changes rapidly, but its work in the midst 
of a cosmopolitan population never diminishes. Its property is worth 
at least $25,000, and its membership is 160. 





Second Presbyterian Church 

The Second Presbyterian church was organized under the name 
of the North Church, February 27, 1881, with forty-five charter mem- 
bers. mostly from the mother church, (The First), and was located 
at Twenty-fourth and Nicholas streets. This organization grew out 
of a Sabbath school begun in 1877. O. H. Ballou and N. S. Miner 
were the first Ruling Elders. Rev. Francis S. Blayney was chosen as 
the first pastor. Rev. W. R. Henderson was installed in 1886. He 
was succeeded by Rev. Samuel M. Ware, D.D., in 1891. Rev. Robert 
M. Stevenson, D.D., entered the field in 1900. The Rev. Newman H. 
Burdick was installed in 1904. The pastoral relation between Rey. 
Burdick and the Second churchxwas dissolved July 5, 1908. 


The Knox Prebyterian Church. 
The Knox Presbyterian Church was organized October 30, 1887. 
Thirteen persons were enrolled at the organization as charter mem- 
bers. The first pastor was Rev. Jaul Martin, who remained with the 


PRESBYTERIANSCHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 221 


church one year, during which time the membership of the church 
was increased to fifty-seven. Rev. Martin was succeeded by Rev. 
Asa Leard, D.D., who began his work with the church June 1, 1889. 
The church building was purchased in the spring of 1888 and was 
located on the southwest corner of Nineteenth and Ohio streets. In 
1889 it was remodeled and the seating capacity enlarged. 

The members of the Session in 1907 were S. C. Tuthill, Robert 
LemMickachrOn wm CmeAw Otani wm Hea tan Coulter: s lowe tive VVialtoum lr Vive 
O. Henry and D. W. Morrow. 

Deacons: S. C. Tuthill, Edward McEachron, H. L. Tostevin, D. 
W. Morrow, A. A. Lamereaux and Geerge Lower. 

Trustees: C. A. Starr, James H. Stokes, W. D. Crawford, Frank 
Martin, E. W. Lamereaux and G. H. Kelly. 

Rev. M. DeWitt Long, D.D., was the pastor in 1901-1905. 

Rev. Melvin V. Higbee, D.D., became pastor in 1905 and was 
then called to the pulpit in 1909, of the Second and Knox churches 
which were merged into one church assuming the name “The North 
Church of Omaha.” 


The North Church of Omaha. 

Dr. S. J. Spaulding, trustee of the Second Presbyterian church 
of Omaha, Nebraska, presented to the Presbytery of Omaha an auth- 
enticated document from the minutes of the session of the Second 
Presbyterian church, concerning the desired union of the Second and 
the Knox churches of Omaha. 

On the fourteenth day of May, 1908, an informal meeting was 
held at the Knox Presbyterian church, to consider the advisability 
of uniting with the congregation of the Second Presbyterian church. 
The Second church had sixteen members represented and the Knox 
church fifteen. 

Dr. S. K. Spaulding, of the Second Presbyterian church, was 
chosen Chairman, and W. H. Anderson, of the Knox Presbyterian 
church, clerk, The meeting was opened with prayer and a general 
discussion took place, which was participated in by most of those 
present, after which the following resolution was offered: 

Whereas, the sentiment expressed by this meeting has been unan- 
imous in regard to the advisability of uniting the two congregations, 

Resolved, That a committee of three from each church be ap- 
pointed to bring before the sessions of the respective churches the 
expression of the meeting, with a view of ascertaining the desire of 
the respective churches, and if favorable to a union of the two 
churches, to secure the appointment of a committee from each con: 
gregation to perfect arrangements. 

The resolution received the unanimous vote and the chairman 
was requested to appoint a committee and that the proposed commit- 


Lhe THE HISTORYS Ors Lite 


tee be instructed to bring the matter before their respective congre- 
gations. Members of the committee were: From the Second church, 
Dr. S. K. Spaulding, Charles F. Robel and Ernest H. Hoel. From 
the Knox church, Frank Martin, A. A. Lamereaux and W. H. An- 


derson. 

The above joint action was read at a called meeting of the con- 
gregation of the Second Presbyterian church, held May 27, 1908, 
being made a part of the record of said congregational meeting, and 
the following action in reference thereto was unanimously taken: 

That it be the sense of this meeting that a union with Knox 
Presbyterian church is desirable, as recommended by the session 
and outlined by the informal meeting. 

On motion of S. K. Spaulding, C. F. Robel and E. H. Hoel were 
appointed a committee to confer with a like committee from Knox 
church in reference to union, and together to confer with the Pres- 
bytery of Omaha in this matter. 

Elders A. A. Lamereaux and W. E. Findley, representing the 
Knox Church, appeared before Presbytery and likewise expressed 
a desire concurring in the statements favoring the proposed union 
of the Second and Knox churches. 

Presbytery appointed a committee of three, composed of Rey. 
William S. Fulton, D.D., Rev. Daniel E. Jenkins, D.D., Ph.D., and 
Elder H. E. Maxwell to cooperate in the movement of union between 
the two churches and to act as an advisory committee and report 
their progress to Presbytery. 

At a meeting of Pesbytery held June 29, 1908, the special com- 
mittee submitted a report containing the following recommendations 
which were adopted and identical petitions presented from the Sec- 
ond and Knox churches: 

At a congregational meeting of the Knox Presbyterian church 
of Omaha, Nebraska, held on Wednesday evening, June 24, 1908, 
the following resolutions were adopted: 

Resolved: 

1. That the joint committee report in favor of the two churches 
uniting. 

2. That the committee recommend that the location of the new 
church be within three blocks of Twenty-second and Binney streets. 

%. That the Committee recommend that as soon as the union is 
completed, immediate steps be taken for the purchase of a site and 
the erection of a church building. 

4. That fin the judgment of the committee it is advisable that 
as soon as united, the two congregations meet regularly for worship 
in the Knox church until the new building is completed. 

5. That it is the sense of the committee that the present names, 
“Second” and “Knox,” be dropped and recommend that the name 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 223 


of the united church be the “North Presbyterian Church,” with the 
understanding that if thought best the name may be changed Jater. 

6. That in the opinion of the joint committee the Sabbath school 
of the Second church should be maintained. 


7. That in the uniting of the churches, the legal matters with 
reference to the union be referred to Mr. H. E. Maxwell. 

8. That we recommend to the congregations that the Presby- 
tery be asked to_consummate this union. 


9. That the joint committee recommends that the members of 
the sessions of the two churches now in active service be installed 
as the Board of Elders of the new church. 

10. That the committee recommends to the congregations of 
the two churches that the Rev. Melvin V. Higbee be appointed sup- 
ply of the pulpit and Moderator of the session of the “North Presby- 
terian Church” until the congregation of the said “North” Presby- 
terian church has regularly called a pastor. 

11. That the committee ecommends to the two congregations 
that the boards of trustees of the two churches be authorized and 
directed to take such steps as may be necessary to convey the real 
property belonging to the two churches to the “North” Presbyterian 
church as soon as it is constituted by Presbytery and legally or- 
ganized. 

12. That the committee recommends that the congregations each 
appoint two commissioners to present to Presbytery the request 
for union. 

The duly accredited representatives of the Knox and Second 
churches, viz., W. H. Anderson and D. W. Morrow, of the Knox 
church, and Ernest Hoel and C. F. Robel of the Second church 
were heard. 

Rey. Wm. S. Fulton, D.D., reported in behalf of his committee 
which had been appointed to cooperate and advise with the named 
churches. The report was read and was adopted by the Presbytery 
of Omaha as follows: 

Whereas, The congregations of the Second and Knox Presby- 
terian churches of Omaha, Nebraska, have presented their request 
that the said churches be united into one church to be known as the 
North Presbyterian church of Omaha, Nebraska; be it therefore 

Resolved: 

1. That the request be granted, and that the Second and Knox 
Presbyterian churches of Omaha, Nebraska, be united, and that the 
North Presbyterian church be hereby constituted. This action is to 
take effect July 5, 1908, and that, to complete this action, the Stated 
Clerk of Presbytery be directed to remove the names of the Second 
and Knox churches from the roll of churches, and to place upon the 
roll the name of the North Presbyterian church of Omaha, Nebraska. 


224 THE: HISTORY OR THE 


2. That in accordance with the request of the said churches the 
members of the sessions of said churches now in active service be 
duly installed and constituted in the manner presccribed in the Con- 
stitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America 
as the session of the North Presbyterian church, and as such be 
placed upon the roll of elders of the Presbytery. 


3. That the said session be directed to enroll as members of 
the North Presbyterian church all members of the Second and Knox 
Presbyterian churches of Omaha as may be found on the rolls on 
July 5, 1908. 


4. That the corporations of the said Second and Knox Presby- 
terian churches of Omaha, Nebraska, through their duly appointed 
trustees be directed to finish whatever business be necessary to wind 
up the affairs of the two corporations aforesaid; and to make report 
at the fall meeting of Presbytery, so that, if possible, the said cor- 
porations may then be dissolved. 


5. That the official records of the said Second and Knox Pre:- 
byterian churches be preserved and held as making part of the his- 
tory of the North Presbyterian church of Omaha, Nebraska. 


6. That, in accordance with the request of the two congregations 
of the Second and Knox Presbyterian churches, the Rey. Melvin V. 
Higbee be appointed supply of the pulpit and moderator of the 
session of the North Presbyterian church until the congregation of 

the said North Presbyterian church has regularly called a pastor. 

Committee: 
Wn. §S. Fulton 

Daniel E. Jenkins, 
H. E. Maxwell. 


Consummation of the Union: 


“Tt was resolved, that the Second Presbyterian church and the 
Knox Presbyterian church, both of Omaha, Nebraska, be and ate 
hereby united in one church as agreed upon in the plan of union, 
to take effect July 5, 1908. That the united church be known as the 
North Presbyterian church of Omaha, Nebraska.” 

The records of the session of the Second and Knox churches 
were referred to the committee on Sessional Records for final ex- 
amination, 

The Rev. William S. Fulton, D.D., was commissioned by the 
Presbytery of Omaha to communicate the action of Presbytery and 
announced the same publicly to the congregations, when assembled, 
July 5, 1908, for formal consummation of the union. 

The elders installed to constitute the session of the North Pres- 
bytetian church were: J. H. Stokes, Dr. E. L. Alexander, W. C. Mc- 
Lean, C. F. Robel, J. Trench, A. N. Eaton, F. M. Hamling, J. H. 


PRESBYTERIAN~ CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 225 


Phelps, W. H. Anderson, A. A. Lamereaux, R. A. McEachron, D. W. 
Morrow, W. E. Findley and Frank Martin. 


A Board of Trustees having been chosen by the North Presby- 
terian church, the property of the Second and Knox churches was 
transferred to the North Presbyterian church of Omaha, Nebraska. 


The property of the Second church was transferred by the Trus- 
tees of the Second Presbyterian church in a meeting of the Board 
of Trustees of the Second Presbyterian church on September 7, 1908. 
The Trustees present were, E. H. Hoel, H. J. Hughes, S. F. Miller, 
E, B. Egan and George J. Bird. 

Motion by H. J. Hughes, seconded by E. B. Egan, that the 
officers of the board be authorized to transfer the property of the 
Second Presbyterian church to the North Presbyterian church, was 
carried unanimously. 

S. F. Miller moved with a second by E. B. Egan that all monies 
in the Building Fund of the Second Presbyterian church be transfer- 
red to the Treasurer of the Building Committee of the North Presby- 
terian church, to be used for building purposes. The motion was 
carried without a dissenting voice. 

Treasurer Hughes reported all current expenses and obligations 
of the church were paid. 

The Secretary was instructed to attend the meeting of Presby- 
tery and make the report of the Board 

The Board of Trustees of the Knox Presbyterian church of 
Omaha, Nebraska, met September 10, 1908. The members present 
were Ed. McEachron, Chairman; W. D. Crawford, Treasurer; H. O. 
Hobbs, Secretary; and O. A. Scott. 

Motion was made by O. A. Scott, seconded by W. D. Crawford, 
that the duly authorized officers of the Knox Presbyterian church of 
Omaha, deed over to the North Presbyterian Church of Omaha, Neb- 
raska, all property belonging to the said Knox Presbyterian church. 
The motion prevailed. 

The actions of the two boards were reported to the Presbytery 
of Omaha and are recorded in the printed Minutes of the Presbytery 
on pages ninety-three and ninety-four. (September 1908.) 

The North church was granted permission by the Presbytery to 
locate the new proposed church edifice anywhere within a radius of 
three blocks of Twenty-second and Binney streets. 

The congregation of the North Presbyterian church purchased 
lots on the northeast corner of Twenty-fourth and Wirt streets where 
an attractive and modernly equipped house of worship has been 
erected at a cost of $50,000. The main auditorium has a seating capa- 
city of 400. The lecture and Sabbath school rooms have been pro- 
vided with class rooms all of which are so arranged that each class 
may remain in its department and participate in all of the Sabbath 


15 


226 THE HISTORY OFeiue 


school services and exercises. The basement furnishes a large 
dining-room with a well equipped kitchen. A pipe organ has been 
installed at the cost of $6,000. 

Rev. Melvin V. Higbee, D.D., was regularly called as pastor and 
installed September 24, 1908. The pastoral relation was dissolved 
in 1917, when Dr. Higbee accepted a call from the Presbyterian 
church of Boone, Iowa. 

The Rev. James M. Wilson, D.D., succeeded Dr. Higbee and was 
installed January 21, 1918. In 1921, Dr. Wilson accepted the call 
to the President’s chair of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary of 
Omaha, Nebraska, and on November 30 of the same year he was 
inaugurated and duly installed to the task of the presidency of the 
Seminary. 

It was in the happy choice of the congregation that the Rev. 
James M. Hamilton was attracted to the pastorate of this church, 
and installed October 13, 1921. Rev. Hamilton reports progress in 
this important field and a membership of 580. 

The Bench of Elders constituting the session: D. W. Morrow, 
Robert A. McEachron, A. N. Eaton, A. A. Lamereaux, C. W. Cain, 
W. R. Patrick, John A. Patterson, W. S. Bloss, Hi HY Andreason, 
W. G. James. H. F. Janssen, O. O. Treadwell, Harry Herzog, Roy R. 
Scarr and Frank Martin, 

The Deaconate: E. W. Gwynn Vaughan, R. R. Scarr, Amandus 
J. Schwarz, R. A. Hershey, R. D. Bowman and H. H. Andreason. 

The Board of Trustees: O. A. Scott, H. J. Hughes, Bryce Craw- 
ford Dab Bercivals VWallandeM cBachtoneel. sien Golson V\Vilvemioat 
rick, Charles B. Helmer and H. M. Brockway. 


The R. L. Wheeler Memorial Presbyterian Church 
South Omaha, Nebraska. 

The First Presbyterian church of South Omaha, was organized 
May 29, 1887, by Robert L. Wheeler, D.D., pastor of the Ponca 
Presbyterian church, and delegate to the General Assembly then in 
session at Omaha. Rev. George M. Lodge was present, with the 
expectation of assuming charge of this field, and moved to Ambler 
Place, Omaha, 

The first Ruling Elders were: James Clark and Robert Bishop. 
The first Trustees were Robert T. Maxwell, Chester Case, and A. 
W. Hibbard. 

The charter members were: Frances E. Wells, Miss Carrie B. 
Pearl, James Clark, Robert Bishop, J. W. Ferguson and wife, S. A. 
McBain, Mrs. Mary E. Wilson, Mrs. Nellie E. Pinney and Mrs. 
Louisa Stoddard. F 

The first building at Twenty-fifth and J Streets was dedicated 
December 18, 1887. It cost $1418. The second building at Twenty- 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. Z2t 





First Presbyterian Church, of South Omaha 


fifth and J Streets, was dedicated on Sunday, February 7, 1892. It 
cost $10,000. The third building, at Twenty-third and J Streets was 
dedicated in 1910, at an expense of one hundred thousand dollars, 
including pipe organ and fixtures. 

The present pastor, Rev. Elmer E. Emhoff, reports a membership 
of 703. In April, 1922, Dr. Wheeler was at his request made pastor- 
emeritus, “for his natural term of life,” and with his wife, Nancy 
Blew, is yet active. The Rev. J. E. Spencer served as associate pas- 
tor, and later as pastor, from October 1921 to December, 1923. Rev. 
E. E. Emhoff accepted a call to the pastorate March 2, 1924, and so 
continues, with his session, Perry MacD. Wheeler, Clerk; Wm. Bar- 
(Clyne NOD etsy em oan © OO lcm Guetian ©O OKs) an View Pattonnm ene 
Thurlow, H. M. Wells, A. H. Murdock, M. G. Zerbe and R. M. Marrs. 


The Trustees are: A. D. Majors, President; D. R. Barclay, Clerk; 
C. F. Oliver, Treasurer, and A. E. Miller, W. A. Berger, Edgar 
Jackson, Charles Winter, G. F. Beavers, Charles D. Eads. Custodian, 
John H. Rieper. 

At the ‘spring session in 1916 of the Presbytery of Omaha, in 
petition, this church was permitted to change its corporate name, 
from the First Presbyterian church of South Omaha, to that of the 
R. L. Wheeler Memorial Presbyterian church, on account of the 
merger of the two cities. The request was granted and the new name 
so enrolled by the Presbytery of Omaha. The Mosher Memorial 
Presbyterian church at Forty-ninth and R streets, with a membership 
of about 75, is an outgrowth of the Wheeler Memorial church, under 
the early care of the Circle of King’s Daughters. Improvements 
costing some $2500 are now in progress, The church is independent, 
but is under the tutelage of the Executive Committee of the Pres- 
bytery of Omaha. 

Dr. Wheeler was licensed September, 1876, by the Presbytery of 
Omaha and ordained in September, 1877. By order of Rev. John 


228 THESIS LOK Ya ORS rE 


Hall, Assembly’s chairman of Home Missions, Dr. Wheeler left 
Ponca and began his work as Stated Supply at South Omaha, May 1, 
1888, later was instal'ed as pastor, and in 1922 was made Pastor- 
Emeritus, having served thirty-four continuous years in the South 
Omaha church under pastoral relations. Because of his faithful 
labors on frontier lines of north Nebraska the degree of Doctor of 
Divinity was suggested by General Assembly’s committee on Home 
Missions, and conferred by the Bellevue College in 1895. 


Castellar Presbyterian Church, Omaha, Neb. 

The Castellar Presbyterian church was organized on January 16, 
1886, with eighteen charter members. The Sabbath school had been 
started in June, 1884, by Rev. T. C. Hall, later paster of the Fourth 
church of Chicago. Mrs. Sarah Johnson and Mrs. Jeanie Patrick (Mc- 
Intosh) were the early workers in the Sabbath school. Elder and 
Mrs. Perine, First Presbyterian church, also rendered valuable as- 
sistance in the early history of the Sabbath ‘school. 

The lot had been purchased and the original chapel begun in 
the latter part of 1883. The lot co.st $1100. The Ladies’ Missionary 
Society was organized July 31, 1884, and the Young People’s Union, 
now the Christian Endeavor Society, in the summer of 1886. In ad- 
dition to the immediate home work, the Ontario Mission school was 
commenced in the spring of 1887, the Grace Mission at Sixth and 
William streets, later belonging to the First church, December, 1888, 
and the Park Forest in April, 1892. 

The church building was enlarged in the fall of 1890, and has a 
seating capacity of 500. Besides, there are two houses upon the lot 
whose rent also go towards the running expenses of the church. The 
mortgage indebtedness was $3,230, and the entire value of the church 
property was $23,000 in 1893. Part of the mortgage, $1,530, was a 
loan without interest, so it was paid back at the rate of ten percent 
a year on the original of $1,700. The growth of the church has been 
uninterrupted. The eldership has been advanced from one to seven: 
the trustees from three to seven, and the deacons to six, The mem- 
bership has likewise increased. In 1886 it was 18; in 1887, 51; in 1888, 
89; in 1889, 103; ‘in 1890, 116; in 1891, 165; in 1892, 200 and in 
1893, 285. It may safely be said that all departments of the work 
have progressed. The Sabbath school in particular has reached an 
average attendance of about 300, and the benevolent work of the 
church has always received recognition. In only two cases during 
seven years has she failed to take an offering for all the boards. A 
forward step was taken April 1, 1892, in the matter of finances. The 
congregation which had hitherto received aid from the Board of 
Home Missions, assumed self-support. The experiences of the year 
have shown the wisdom of the advance. The trustees reported at the 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA: 229 


annual meeting a year of financial prosperity. During the year (1893) 
a Junior Christian Endeavor, Ladies’ Aid, and the Park Forest Mis- 
sion school were added to the elective work. The latest movement 
was made on April 27, 1924. The pastor’s salary was raised to $1500. 


In looking back over the seven years history, we can unitedly 
say, ‘Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,’ and looking forward even 
seven years before us, we may as confidently say, “Henceforth the 
Lord will help us.” 


Charter Members. 


The first entry on the church register is that of the 16th of Jan- 
uary, 1886. It consists of eighteen persons, six men and twelve wo- 
men. The building since then has been twice en'arged. In 1903 there 
remained only three of the charter members: Mrs. Sarah E. Johnson, 
Mrs, Evaline Koopman and Mrs. Jeanie Patrick (McIntosh.) In 
1924 only the last named remains. Seven have died while others have 
removed from the city. 

Soon after the organization was cffected a call was given to Rev. 
James Marquis Wilson who was then a student at McCormick Theo- 
logical Seminary at Chicago. The call was accepted and Rev. Wilson 
was ordained and installed the 6th of June. 1°°6. He served for 
thirteen years, 1886 to 1899, being fo'lowed by Rev. Alva R. Scott, 
Ph.D., who was followed by Rev. Winthrop Allison. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Walter H. Revnolds DD., who was installed on the 
23rd of December, 1902. The ministers who followed were Rev. 
Ralph H. Houseman, Rev. C. C. Meek. Rev. Walter H. Halsey, (sup- 
ply,) Rev. C. A. Burkholder and Rev. P. Dagley, who removed from 
the field this summer (1924.) 

The first elder was John Hare. The first elders under Dr. J. 
M. Wilson were Walter Vandercreek. Joe Graner. B. N. Robertson, 
J. W. Taylor, Dr. R. E. Esk‘Idson and George E. Crosley. 

In 1890 the elders were S. W. Barker. William Hare, William 
Stevenson, B. N. Robertson and J. A. Bradley. 

In 1924 the following are the elders: C. Reid, W. S. Crichson, 
Ed. Vernon, Fred Knoll, Walter Krelle, and John Green, clerk, 
15th and Vinton streets. 

The Deacons are Herman Krelle and Ben Koopman. 


The Trustees are Hetbert K. Dunn, L. D. Pickard, C. H. Shoess- 
ler, Herman Krelle, Ben L. Koopman and Fred H. Meyer. 

In 1898 the membership was 378, in 1901, 405, and in 1923, 232. 
The encroachment of other denominations into the territery for- 
merly served by the Castellar church was a factor in materially re- 
ducing the numbers of member in said church. 


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PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 231 


Bohemian Brethren Presbyterian Church, Omaha. 

The Bohemian Brethren church is located at the northwest cor- 
ner of Fifteenth and Hickory streets in Omaha, Nebraska. This 
church had its beginning in 1888-1889, when two members of the 
Castellar Presbyterian church, Joseph Vladyka and Charlotte Ber- 
anek became interested in the Bohemian population. In company 
with their pastor, Rev. James M. Wilson, D.D., they gathered a 
group of Bohemian speaking people in the congregational chapel on 
Sixteenth and Hickory streets. Preaching services were begun Au- 
gust 25, 1889, with thirty-five persons in attendance. With the help 
of the Board of Church Erection and friends in Omaha, a chapel 
was erected, which after twelve years was moved to the present 
church site. Rev. William Harsha, D.D., at the time pastor of ‘the 
First Presbyterian church of Omaha, and Rev. V. Pisek rendered 
helpful service in consummating the organization. Rev. Jar. Dobias 
was the next to minister to the growing group. Of the original 
thirty-seven members five are still living, Jan and Barbara Blagck, 
Joseph Blagek, Emilie Schiller and S. A. Beranek. 

The first church officers were Jan Blagek, F. Nesladek, J. Kadavy, 
A. Schiller and S. A. -Beranek. 

The present officers are: 

Elders: J. Sabacky, V. Prochagka and J. Lefler. 

Deacons: A. Musil and Adam Kantor. 

Deaconesses: Misses F. Pelecka and A. Votavova. 

The following ministers have rendered most acceptable service 
as pastors and supplies: 

Rev. A. Paulu, from January, 1890 to June, 1891, 

Rev. Jan. Pipal, from December, 1891 to December, 1896, 

Rev. Jar. Dobias, from October 1899 to October, 1905, 

Rev. B. A. Filipi, from October, 1906 to January, 1914. 

The present pastor, Vac. Cejnar, began his pastorate June, 1914. 
He reports eighty communicants. 


Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, of the Bohemian 
and Moravian Brethren, Omaha, Neb. 


This church is a direct daughter of the Bohemian Brethren 
Presbyterian church of Omaha, and was organized May 5, 1901. The 
church edifice is located at 5213 South 21st street, South Omaha, and 
is valued at $8,000 with an equipment valued at $900. The church 
has a manse. The present enrollment is twenty-one communicants: 
eighty are enrolled in the Sabbath school. 

Vaclav Barta is the only Elder. 

The pastors who have supplied this church are: 

Rev. Jaroslav Dobias, Rev. Vaclav Minniberger, Rev. Bohdam 
Filipi, Rev. Emmanuel Kallina,, Rev. Vaclav Cejnar and the present 
pastor, Rev. Charles Joseph Koukol. 


232 (THESES LO River O hates 


Church of the Covenant, Omaha, Neb. 
(1893) 


The Covenant Presbyterian church of Omaha was organized as 
the Bedford Place Presbyterian church, December 5, 1893, with the 
following members: I. G. Kennedy, Mrs. M. Kennedy, Charles Ross, 
Mrs. L. Ross, C. F. Gardner, Mrs. Gardner, J. W. Tait and Mrs. Tait, 
Miss Essie Tait, Mrs. J. L. Reed, Miss Emma Reed, Mrs. J. V. Plymp- 
ton, and Mrs. M. (Wescott. C. F. Gardner was elected Elder and the 
rotary system was adopted for the election of Elders. 

Charles Ross, I. G. Kennedy, J. Tait and C. F. Gardner were 
elected as Trustees. 

The church was organized by Rey. S. M. Ware as a committee 
appointed by the Presbytery of Omaha, in the home of Mr. Tait, 
2821 North 28th street. A property was secured near 31st and Evans 
streets. The name was changed to that of “The Church of the Cov- 
enant,” on March 27, 1904, at which time there were forty members. 
The present location, 27th and Pratt streets, was purchased about 
1906. The value of the church property is $10,000. Cne hundred and 
forty-one communicants are reported. 

Among the early ministers were Rev. S. T. Davis, Rev. F. Tonge, 
Rey. Knox Boude, Rey. T. S. Hawley and Rev. A. B. Jamison. 

The later pastors were Rev. Richard T. Bel', Rev. Charles H. 
Fleming. Rev. F. H. Grace is the present pastor. The members of 
the session are D. A. Bertrand, Clerk; Wm. Koch, W. E. Stalnaker, 
Wm. Morgan, Fred Dicksen and Harry Chistophersen. 

The Trustees are: James Gardner, Earl Orr, Fred Dickson, Fred 
Talmage, Art. Marshall, Louis Eckels and F. P. Herford. 


Parkvale Presbyterian Church of Omaha, Neb. 


The Parkvale Presbyterian church was originally organized by 
the Omaha Association of Congregational churches and known as 
the Parkvale Congregational Church and Society. 

Desiring to be received into the Presbytery of Omaha and thus 
be enrolled as a Presbyterian church was made known in the fol- 
lowing communication and actions of said church: 

“Omaha, Nebraska, 
December 6, 1911. 
Presbyterian Brethren in Christ, Greeting:- 

We would invite your attention to the following from the min- 
utes of our business meeting, which is self-explanatory: 

‘A meeting was held December 3, 1911, of the congregation of 
Parkvale Congregational Church and Society, called by the Trustees, 
at which Mr. W. B. Nicks presided as chairman, and E. C. Wiibur 
acted as clerk. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. HER 


A quorum being present, the matter of the future of this church 
was discussed. The Trustees announced that the Congregational 
Union of Omaha had failed to fulfill its obligation to Parkvale peo- 
ple to assist them in securing a new church location. It therefore 
appeared necessary and desirable to make other and immediate ar- 
rangements, if possible, to conserve the preliminary work which had 
been accomplished along these lines. To this end it was moved and 
seconded that the congregation invite the Presbyterians to take over 
our church orgasization and property with its present incumbrances, 
the same to become a Presbyterian body and property, provided the 
Presbyterians would pledge themselves by such acceptance to give 
Parkvale church a new church home, to be located on the site se- 
lected, at northeast corner of 34th and Martha streets, consisting of 
three lots and one frame house, and known as the Goodland property. 

‘And further, the church clerk, was authorized to place this for- 
mal invitation promptly in the hands of the proper person repre- 
senting the Presbyterian denomination and request an early reply. 
The motion passed and was carried unanimously. 

‘Therefore, in accordance with the wishes of our people we have 
taken this action after careful consideration and prayer, we hereby 
extend the invitation to you to cooperate with us in a progressive 
policy for the upbuilding of this church of Christ to serve this com- 
munity, that the people of this section of the city may be both 
church-going and God-fearing, and that the children may have a suit- 
able place to learn the lessons of eternal life. 

‘We trust you will give this matter early consideration. 

‘We will be very glad to meet with your representatives to con- 
summate this enterprise and present conclusive reasons why this 
progam should be carried out. 

Very respectfully, 
Parkvale Congregational Church and Society, 
By W. C. Mooney, Clerk.” 


A further communication dated Omaha, Neb., January 4, 1912, 
was submitted to the Presbytery and is as follows, 

Rev. D. E. Jenkins, D.D., 

“Dear Sir:- At a called business meeting of Parkvale Con- 
gregational Church and Society held December 30, 1911, the fol- 
lowing resolution was introduced and unanimously carried: 

The members and congregation of the Parkvale Congregational 
Church, after careful consideration and prayer, believe that the int- 
erest of the Kingdom will be best served by their withdrawal from 
the Omaha Association of Congregational churches, and hereby auth- 
orize the church clerk to notify the Omaha Association accordingly 
and reqvest that they consider their connection with that body sev- 
ered from this date. 


234 HO EeH ESO RYO RSL EE 


It gives us pleasure to advise that so far as Parkvale church 
is concerned we have taken all action necessary or possible for us 
to sever our connection with the Congregational body, and we hereby 
again extend our invitation of December 6, to your people and we 
trust that this matter will be brought up for early consideration. 

Yours respectfully, 


(Signed) “W. C. Mooney, Clerk.” 


The following action was recorded by the Presbytery of Omaha. 

“Resolved, That the members of the Home Mission Committee 
be a special committee to organize the Parkvale Congregational 
church into a Presbyterian church. It was further 


Resolved, That a committee of three consisting of Elders Henry 
F. Kieser, J. H. Knowles .and Rev. Julius F. Schwarz, be appointed 
to cooperate with the Parkvale church in securing a church property. 
Tt was also 


Resolved, That the matter of securing the amount needed fcr the 
Parkdale Church be referred to a joint conference of the Committee 
on Home Missions and Sabbath school work and the Committee on 
Church Erection.” 


Presbytery’s Committee on Home Missions and Sabbath School 
Work reported relative to organizing the Parkvale Congregational 
church into a Presbyterian church and stated that the duty had been 
performed by first electing and ordaining W. C. Mooney and Thomas 
D. Carey as Elders. Secondly by electing and installing J. M. Nor- 
lem and W. B. Nicks as deacons. 

On March 19, 1912, the Parkvale Presbyterian churrh was en- 
rolled. 


The Parkvale Presbyterian church was granted permission to 
relocate. 

Rey. Arthur E. Lehman was chosen as the first pastor and as 
Stated Supply was made Moderator of the session September 11, 1912. 

May’ 25, 1915, a call was accepted by Rev. Robert W. Taylor to 
become the pastor, The duration of this pastorate was up to the 
time when Dr. Taylor was commissioned by the Synod of Nebraska 
March 1, 1921, as Western Associate Secretary of Home Missions 
and Sabbath School Work. 

Rev. C. E. Russell succeeded Dr. Taylor and was Stated Supply 
until he accepted a call from the Presbyterian church of Bellevue, 
Nebraska. 

Rev. Paul G. Luce came on the field in 1922. Under his leader- 
ship the congregation has just completed a new house of worship, 
located at Thirty-second and Martha streets. This edifice was dedi- 
cated Sunday, February 24, 1924. It cost in excess of $10,000. E. M. 
Smith was chairman of the building committee. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 235 


Fairview Presbyterian Church, Omaha, Neb. 


In a meeting of the Presbytery of Omaha, held September 14, 
1910, a petition for the organization of a church was presented: 

“We desire to place before the Presbytery the needs of the 
Fairfax Sunday school, Fortieth and Pratt streets, Omaha, Neb., 
which was organized April 10, 1910, by Rev. James B. Currens. The 
school has an enrollment of sixty-six, with three times this number 
that may be gathered in. The offerings have averaged one dollar 
per week. The school has paid for the supplies for the ensuing 
quarter and has a balance of $18 in the treasury. 

The building we now meet in is too small for our needs. It has 
been freely donated for present use but must be given up to the owner 
before cold weather. Some donations of furniture have been received 
and some bought by the school. 

“Preaching services have been held regularly every Sabbath; 
conducted by various pastors of the north end of the city. We now 
feel the need of a permanent church organization that we may take 
some steps toward building a chapel and maintaining a pastor. It 
is quite probable that we will not be able to do this without some 
assistance from the Boards for some time at the start, though the 
community is growing rapidly 

This portion of the city was opened for settlement about two 
years ago, and covers an area of about two square miles, not reached 
by any other church. It is our prayer and desire that God through 
you may give us a permanent place of worship soon.” 

Sipned. by J. Ho Perry: 
Petition 

“We, whose names appear in this petition desire that the Presby- 
tery of Omaha shall organize a Presbyterian church at or near 40th 
and Pratt streets in the city of Omaha, and assist us in every way 
possible to secure a church building and maintain a pastor. 

“Therefore we have placed opposite our signatures our present 
standing and qualifications to enter a new organization as charter 
members. The petition bears twenty-two names.” 

The action of the Presbytery made provision for a committee 
of three, namely, Rev. Nathaniel McGiffin, D.D., Rev. Julius F. 
Schwarz, D.D., and Elder Robert Dempstér, with nower to act to 
effect an organization if the way be clear, and to make report at the 
next meeting of Presbytery. 

At a meeting of Presbytery, held Onenee 27, 1910, the named 
committee made the following report: 

“Your committee wish to report that after having visited the 
field in the vicinity of 42nd and Pratt streets, and having met at dif- 
ferent times with the people whose names appear on the petition ask- 
ing for the organization of a Presbyterian church, and finding con- 


236 THESES TO R Ye hare: 


siderable interest manifested and publicly declaring to be organized 
as a church of Jesus Christ, for the glory of God and for the benefit 
of themselves, their children and fellow men, your committee pro- 
ceeded in the regular way and according to the prescribed form to 
effect the organization which now bears the name and is known as 
the Fairview Presbyterian church of Omaha. Your committee fur- 
ther recommend that this newly organized Fairview church be en- 
rolled.” 

The report was approved and the recommendation adopted and 
the name of the church was ordered enrolled. 

The Rev. Thomas B. Greenlee, Ph. D., was appointed moderator 
of the newly elected session. 

The Rev. Charles H. Fleming, Pastor of the church of the Cov- 
enant, ministered to this church in connection with the said church. 
Students from the Omaha Theological Seminary have supplied the 
pulpit. Mrs. George A. Beith is at present in charge working under 
the supervision of the Church Extension committee. 

The congregation has built a new house of worship which was 
dedicated Nov. 20, 1921, costing $8,000. The property is valued at 
$8,910. 

The officers of the church at present are: 

Elders: E. C. Harvey and W. J. Easton. 

Trustees: Louis Eipperle, Mrs. W. J. Easton and Gail Fay. 


Westminster Presbyterian Church, Omaha, Neb. 
(1887) 


The Westminster Presbyterian church of Omaha, Nebraska, 
was organized April 25, 1887, by a commission from the Presbytery 
of Omaha. The names enrolled as charter members: 

1) By Letter: 

“Mrs. Arvilla C. Brown, Mrs. Fannie S. Chapman, Miss Nellie 
Fosdyke, Mrs. Mary A. Gregory, Mrs. Nellie Guild, Jacob R. Hen- 
drix, Mrs. C. H. Huntoon, Mrs. Elizabeth A. Meisner, Mrs. C. M. 
McAdam, Frank L. McCoy. Mrs. M. E. Newcomb, Wm. Randail, 
Miss Emma L. Newcomb, Warren Switzler, Mrs. J. W. Shields, Mrs. 
Florence Shields, Mrs. Sarah J. Sabin, Paul Van der Voort, Duncan 
M. Wilson, Joseph G. Chapman, Mrs. Isabella Campbell, Frank L. 
Gregory, Miss Mattie Gregory, Mrs. Mary E. Gratton, Mrs. Sarah 
M. Hendrix, Mrs. A. T. Holden, Miss Ada S. Meisner, Miss Hattie 
G. McAdam, Mrs. N. E. McBride, Miss Julia M. Newcomb, Mrs. J. 
J. Points, Mrs. Betsy Randall, Mrs. Mary D. Switzler, Alexander 
Shields, James E. Sabin. Mrs. Martha L. Salmon, Mrs. Amanda Van 
der Voort, Mrs. Laura Wilson.” 

2. By Profession of Faith: 

“David S. Guild, Thomas Halket, Andrew T. McPherson, George 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN - NEBRASKA. oy | 


K. Smith, Mrs. G. F. Gyger, S. A. Huntoon, Mrs. Mary McPherson.” 

3. The first elders chosen to constitute the session were: War- 
ren Switzler, Jacob R. Hendrix, Joseph G. Chapman and Wm. Ran- 
dall. 

4. The pastors who served this church are given in their order: 
Rev. John Gordon, D.D., Rev. W. S. Fulton, D.D., Rev. J. F. Young, 
DIDS Reve ake V.. Moore DD. Rev. Phomas H. Mee arellt D.D., Rev. 
View ive atid): 

5. The officers at the resent time are: 

Elders: Henry E. Maxwell, C. J. Barnett, Dr. D. W. Burns, W. 
H Pteiffer. E. W. Johnson, Frank “Waterman, E. E. Gray, S. C. 
Campbell, W. C. Bronson, R. E. Wright, Thos. Boone, C. S. Ingalls. 

Deacons toward sce, ).. Ge Holman, Ex7O. Carson, ‘C, A. 
Westerfield, E. B. Nordell, Harold H. Merryman, Wade Seitz, G. A. 
Robertson, C. E. Mitchell, 

Trustees: Frank Anderson, B. N. Robertson, Ralph Kiewit, 
S. O. Briggs, Wim. Randall, Jr., Geo. M. Smith, Dr. C. Rubendall, 
W. B. Whitehorn and J. W. Sharp. 

The first edifice was erected on the southwest corner of Twenty- 
ninth and Mason streets at a cost of $20,000. A new site was bought 
on the northeast corner of Thirty-third and Woolworth avenue where 
a beautiful edifice costing $80,000 was dedicated in October, 1923. The 
manse is valued at $8,000. 

This church has always been self-supporting and has a present 
membership of three hundred eighty-one communicants. For many 
years it conducted a mission on Grace street near the Union Pacific 
railroad tracks. 


First German Presbyterian Church of Omaha, 
Now Known as the Bethany Church. 


The First German Presbyterian church was organized in 1881 by 
Rev. F .H. W. Bruechert. It was during the time when people 
were attracted to the west in large numbers. Omaha had become the 
center of the great boom. The various colonies of German speaking 
immigrants justified the move of establishing a church home for 
them. During hhis brief pastorate, which lasted until March, 1883, 
the congregation purchased a property with a residence on it. On 
the adjoining lot, located on the east side of Eighteenth street, just 
south of Cuming street, a church edifice was built and dedicated 
in 1882. 

Rev. Bruechert was succeded by Rev. John G. Scheible in July, 
1883, His pastorate continued to the time when he was honorably 
retired in 1892. Rev. Richard L. Friederich served the congregation 
for about three and one-half years and then accepted a call in 1895 
from South Dakota. The Rev. Daniel Grieder, D.D., came on the 


238 THESHISTORY ORGLHE 





First German Presbyterian Church of Omaha, now known as Bethany Church. 


held the following winter. Dr. Grieder labored for more than eight 
years and was successful in removing the mortgages that had bur- 
dened the congregation. The Rey. August Hilkeman who was pas- 
tor at Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, succeeded Rev. Grieder in 1904 and 
remained with the church until 1906. In 1906 a call was issued for 
the pastoral service of Rev. Julius F. Schwarz, who was at the time 
in charge of the First German church of Connersville, Indiana. Rev. 
Schwarz came on the field March 1, 1907, and was installed as pas- 
tor soon after. It was soon discovered that a change of location was 
essential to insure the future growth of the organization. At a reg- 
ularly called congregational meeting a motion prevailed that the 
necessary steps be taken in the matter of disposing of the property 
on Eighteenth and Cuming streets, and overture the Presbytery of 
Omaha for permission to locate in a more desirable part of the city. 

The following action was submitted to the Presbytery of Omaha: 

“Resolved, That the Trustees be authorized: 

“1. To obtain the permission of the Presbytery of Omaha to 
make the transfer of the church and lot for the stipulated amount 
and the conditions herein named and as decided upon by the con- 
egregation, 


“2. To obtain the permission of the Presbytery to purchase a 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 239 


lot in tht territory located between 18th and 26th streets and Cuming 
street and Ohio avenue, or in the sections bordering on the named 
streets. 

“3. To ask for the endorsement and Presbytery’s recommenda- 
tion to the Board of Church Erection for the transfer of the grant 
invested in the edifice of the First German Presbyterian church of 
Omaha to the lot to be chosen and purchased by the congregation 
of said church.” 

The named resolutions were adopted by the church and approved 
by the Presbytery of Omaha. 

The congregation purchased two lots from the Omaha and Coun- 
cil Bluffs Street Railway Company, located on the northwest corner 
of Twentieth street and Willis avenue, for $1,800. The sale of the 
old church to a Seventh Day Adventist society, provided the cash 
to meet the cost of the two lots. Since the services of the two or- 
ganizations were on different days, the First German Presbyterian 
congregation continued to worship in the old edifice until they could 
enter the new church home. 


How the Church was Built. 

With less than a half hundred dollars in the building fund, and 
with the firm belief that “Faith is the Victory,’ the building project 
was begun in November, 1908. A sketch was drawn and plans for 
a joint church edifice and manse were executed by one of the leading 
architects of Omaha, 

The fact that the members numbered only sixty held out but 
little hope for contributions sufficient to finance the undertaking. 
The pastor planned to gather everywhere, wherever he could, all 
the old timbers and lumber generally, all the iron junk available for 
structural use, all the loose and irregular stone, all the generally dis- 
carded building materials that could be found in Omaha, It was not 
to be a mean and ugly house of worship, but a wel! equipped, well 
arranged ample meeting place for the present and future growth of 
the congregation. While walking along Douglas street one day it 
was discovered that the old curbs and parting curbs were giving place 
to new paving. These were bargained for. When the excavation 
for a full basement was completed there was sufficient building ma- 
terial on the ground to build the foundation. 

In connection with searching for material it became necessary 
to solicit contributions so that the pay-roll could be met each Sat- 
urday noon. The dollars came slowly, but they came with sufficient 
steadiness to meet the obligations as they had been incurred during 
the course of each week. 

When the foundation walls had reached the heights preparatory 
for the water table then the south steps from the old high school 
building were being chiseled and today occupy that place in the walls 


240 HES HIS LORY SO be Gi 


of the stone edifice. For more than a year the repair gangs about the 
streets, stone yards and junk heaps were haunted in the search for 
material which was always discovered just at the right time for the 
suitable place in the building while in the course of construction. 

The Street Railway Company furnished the most novel use of 
old steel rails. They today support the heavy tile root. The frst 
old material in the whole building, which is the making of rafters 
tile roof was located at the Union Railway Station. Flat tile shingles 
were giving way to a modern roof tile and the tile that was being re- 
moved more than furnished the square feet necessary to cover the 
entire building of the church, The cornerstone was laid in 1909. 
The edifice was completed at a total cost of $25,000, and dedicated 
in the fall of 1910. 


The church, which consists of a basement, with a novel and beau- 
tiful fireplace, a well-equipped kitchen, an auditorium which will 
seat three hundred, measures 44 x 73 feet. A tower having two foot 
walls providing a belfry of 12 x 12 feet is also part of the edifce. 
The roof extends over the parsonage, making it a full three stories 
high, with a large attic-room. The house is 24 x 50 feet in ground 
dimensions and has eleven fine rooms with south front. 


Rev. Schwarz was chosen as Executive Secretary and District 
Superintendent of Home Missions by the Synod of Nebraska in 
October, 1912, thereby having to resign this pastorate. 

Rev. John F. Mueller was called to the field and duly installed 
as pastor on Easter Sunday, March 23, 1913. On that day the new 
edifice suffered considerable damage. Being in the path of the cy- 
clone, the greater part of the roof was demolished; the art glass win- 
dows were ruined and the windows of the manse blown in. Rev. 
Mueller set to work in gathering funds to meet the cost of repairs. 
The interior was also beautifully decorated at that time. 

Rev. John F. Mueller terminated his pastorate on the 31st of 
August, 1914. He was succeeded by Rev. Henry W. Seibert, Ph.D., 
who was installed Sunday, April 11, 1915. In connection with his 
pastorate Dr. Seibert was Professor of German at the University of 
Omaha. His pastorate continued until 1917. 

Rev. Albert Kuhn, who had been Professor of Greek at the 
University of Dubuque for fourteen years, accepted the appointment 
as Missionary, September, 1919. Rev. Kuhn has developed a mission 
station and community center, which has not its equal in the city 
of Omaha. Since the neighborhood is made up of a fluctuating pop- 
ulation it has become necessary to introduce new features in the 
program of this particular field and mission, which deserves both 
the good will and support of the Church and community, 

The name of the church was at this time changed to Bethany 
church, since the removal of the German speaking residents and the 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 2A 


changed needs of the community demanded a different emphasis in 
the work. While a service in German is still a feature of the church, 
the main activities of it are now conducted in English. Great stres- 
is placed upon making the church the gathering place of the chil- 
dren and the center of refined social life of the community. 

Rev. Kuhn is also a member of the Faculty of the University 
of Omaha, where he is the Professor of German. 

The Elders who have served on the session of this church from 
time to time are: Nic. Kriebs, Jacob Sellner, Konrad Lehning, Fred 
Kocher, C. L. Kocher, G. Ulrich, Henry Deines, Jacob Hahn and 
William J. Sellner. 

The present Elders of Bethany Presbyterian church are: 

William J. Sellner, Henry Deines, Fred Blaser. Roger Jenkins, 
Griffith Jones, A. Waybright and J. D. Phelps. 


Lowe Avenue Presbyterian Church, Omaha, Neb. 

The Lowe Avenue Presbyterian church was organized as the 
West Hamilton Street Presbyterian church, July 3, 1887, by a com- 
mittee appointed by the Presbytery of Omaha, namely, Rev. W. J. 
Elarshatiderse see searcine: Reyes We le. Henderson and Hider De i. 
Ballon. The persons enrolled as charter members are. Mr. and 
Mrs. H. H. Cronk, Mrs. E. L. Emery, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. K. Fleming, 
Charles H. Fleming, (now an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian 
Church.) Mrs. C. D. Hutchinson, Miss Ina Pickard, W. Ii. Scott and 
wife, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Stuart, Mrs. M. M. Vanhorn, S$. W. Wilson 
and wife. 

The first Ruling Elders were J. K. Fleming, J. L. Stuart and S. 
W. ‘Vilson. 

The present church edifice was dedicated April 21, 1907, having 
cost $40,000. A new addition has been planned which is soon to be 
erected at a cost of $15,000, 

The number of communicants has almost reached the 450 mark. 

The pastors who have served this church are: 

Reva W. J. Palm, October 1,°1887 to January 1, 1891. Rev.-C. G. 
Sterling, May 1, 1891 to August 1, 1895. Rev. Fred K. Tonge, April 
1, 1896 to July 1, 1897, Rev. T. S. Hawley, October 24 1897, to June 
1, 1901, “Revs Stephen Phelps, D.D., October 1, 1901, to June 1, 1902, 
Rev. Andrew S. C. Clarke, D.D., September 1, 1902 to November 1, 
1907, Rev. Nathaniel McGiffin, D.D., May 17, 1908 to May 1, 1914, Pev. 
A, F. Ernst, Ph.D., September 15, 1914 ---. 

The officers of the church at present: 

Elders: Dr. H. M. McClanehan, Dr. J. M. Patton, G. F. Damon, 
A. R. Wells, A. C. Smith, H. S. McAllister, G. B. Eisely, W. J. Mett- 
len, E. T. Munroe. 

Deacons: Robert York; S..H. Cole, P._F. Bonordon, W. V. 
Loughley, F. G. Brainord and Elmer Johnson. 


16 


242 il ee HIS. RO eC LLe 
Clifton Hill Presbyterian Church Omaha, Neb. 


The Clifton Hill Presbyterian church was organized May 22, 1892 
with a charter membership of nineteen. June 13 the organization, 
then consisting of twenty-four members, was approved at a meet- 
ing of the Presbytery of Omaha. The charter members were Mr. 
and Mrs. Robert Wise, Mrs. Lizzie Wise Brewster, Mr. and Mrs. 
U. G. Traux, Mrs. Mary L. Shoemaker, Mrs. May E. Shoemaker 
Phillips, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Harold, James Rattray, Mr. and Mrs. 
Geo. Chaplin, Mrs. Thomas Johnston, Mrs. Harriet R. Gregg, Bes- 
sie Harris, Mrs. Nettie Rush, Mrs. Emma Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. 
James Bennett, Geo. F. Damon, Mr. and Mrs. Sam’! Foster and Mr. 
and Mrs. Geo. D. McDill. 


The officers elected at the time of organization were: Robert 
Wise as ruling elder, and Messrs. George Chaplin and Ulysses G. 
Traux deacons and trustee. 

At a congregational meeting March 1, 1893, it was voted to pur- 
chase a lot for $800. The church building was erected the same 
year and dedicated December 10, 1893. Until this time a carpenter’s 
shop was used as a place of worship. 

In 1902 the building was moved to the corner, was raised and 
remodeled. The present edifice was re-dedicated December 14, 1902. 

The first pastor was the Rev. Samuel T. Davis, M.D. He was 
called to the pastorate by the congregation November 13, 1892, during 
the first year of the church’s history. He was not installed until 
May 10, 1894. The following pastors succeeded him: 

James D. Kerr, D.D., December 17, 1895 to April 1901; Robert M. 
Dillon, January 2, 1902 to August 1, 1904; Robert L. Purdy, Septem- 
ber 21, 1905 to June 1, 1908. Thos. B. Greenlee, Ph.D., October 27, 
1908 to January, 1914; B. Robert Von der Lippe, October 14, 1914--- 

In the twenty-five years of the church’s history, twenty-two per- 
sons have served in the office of ruling elder and twenty-four in the 
Diaconate. 

July 28, 1902, the Board of Trustees, consisting of J. A. Dalzell, 
Joseph Bremner, J. N. Beach, Roy Solomon and George Taylor, 
executed a mortgage on the church property for a loan of $1,500 from 
the O. F. Davis Fund. The loan was paid up and the mortgage re- 
leased December 7, 1916. 

The elders of the church are F. W. Booth and O. W. Hendee. 

The Deacons are K. G. Watson, W. Ruebsamen, J. H. Rupe. 

The Trustees are Alex McKie, President, Harry Elliston, Sec., 
K. L. Hiatt, Treas., Edw. L. Krisel, Geo. Taylor, W. S. Huston, K. 
S. Finlayson, Chas. S. White, Mrs R. G. Watson, Mrs. K. L. Hiatt 

The Deaconesses are Mrs. Julian Ellington, Mrs. Elizabeth J. 
Lindsay and Mrs. Lyda Bruner, 


PRESBY DERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA, 243 
CHURCH EXTENSION WORK IN OMAHA. 


The Church Extension Committee of Omaha Presbytery, con- 
sisting of seven laymen and eight ministers, is the agency through 
which the Presbytery carries on its Home Mission and Church Ex- 
tension work. This committee meets regularly each month and 
gives a great deal of time to the mission innterests of the Presbytery. 
It receives its instructions from, and makes its reports to the Press- 
bytery. It has to do with the location of ministers on mission fields, 
establishing new mission tation, advancing the work of Evangel- 
ism and providing suitable buildings and equipment for missions 
churches and stations. 

At preent the committee has under its care 16 mission churches 
and stations. An important part of the work of this committee is 
the matter of providing mission churches and stations with adequate 
and well-equipped plants in which to carry on their work. This 
requires a great deal of time and labor on the part of the committee 
and also the devising of ways and means by which the necessary 
funds may be secured. 

The committee, under the authority of Presbytery, administers 
three funds: 

First, that which is necessary to assist in the support of mission 
pastors. This fund is the part of the Benevolence Budget contributed 
by churches to the Home Mission Board. 

Second, that which assists in providing the salaries of parish 
workers in certain selected fields in the congested and foreign sec- 
tions of Omaha. This is provided from the contributions of the 
churches to the Sunday School Board, and the gifts of tite women, 
of the Presbyterian City Union. 

Third, the funds necessary to erect, equip and repair buildings to 
enable them to render larger service to the communities in which 
they are located. This part of the committee’s work requires the 
largest expenditure of funds. To provide the money necessary and 
meet these needs the Presbytery voted that 20 percent of the amount 
raised for Benevolences by the churches of Omaha should be paid 
to and administered by the committee along this line, 


Some Accomplishments. 


Under the authority of the Presbytery some things! worth 
while have been accomplished. 

A mission work was started in the Minne Lusa addition. A 
chapel was purchased and lots bought on which the full basement 
is already being occupied by the new self-supporting organization. 
The Rev. Herman G. Heuser is the pastor. This church is now 
known as Miller Park Church, and is located at 30th and Huntington 
Avenue. 


244 DHE eth ORY sO ler brire 


The following named Elders constitute the session: 

M. R. Galbraith, Judge L. B.. Day, Geo. Scott, Robert Galt, 
Ralph Beckley and Frank Neef. 

The colored population of Omaha during recent years has great- 
ly increased, and among these people there are a considerable num- 
ber who have received some training in our mission schools in the 
South and others who required a ministry which only the Pres- 
byterian Church could provide. In order to supply this need a prop- 
erty was purchased at the corner of twenty-sixth and Seward streets, 
and this property has been repaired at some coniderable expense 
A church was organized December 26, 1922, and Rev. Russell Tay- 
lor chosen as pastor. At present the church has an enrollment of 
about, fifty communicants. Drei. He Hutton s) SAS Hatdyeande ye 
C. Mason constitute the session. The St. Paul Presbyterian Church 
is the name enrolled on the records of the Presbytery of Omaha. 

Property Holdings. 

Under the requirements of the Presbytery that the title of prop- 
erties toward which a considerable amount has been contributed must 
be vested in the Presbytery, the following properties with their cost 
are now held by the trustees: 





Miller Park Chapel and site for new church —.......W:. $6,860 
Bairviewechtir chy 222s eens 6 Se ee ee ee 8,910 
Stereauliss CECOl ore cds) ieee ee ee et 4,200 
Bathy Poorest = Chapels ee ee eee 7,591 

sO tal eects eet Tein Aer ge ns Pee nee, Sy eee $27,561 


Benson, Presbyterian Church. 

The Benson Presbyterian church was organized July 22, 1906, 
with twenty-six charter members. Rev. Jesse C. Wilson became the 
pastor immediately after the church was organized. Rev. Wilson 
left the field in 1912 and was then succeeded by Rev. Arthur J. Mc- 
Clung, D.D., who remained on the field until 1918. Rev. Earl 
Moneymaker accepted the call to the field in 1919, and remained 
until the pring of 1924. At present the pulpit is supplied by local 
ministers and theological students. Elder H. C. Forgy is the Clerk 
of the session. 


Dundee Presbyterian. Church, Omaha, Neb. 

The Dundee Presbyterian church was organized May 6, 1901, 
with sixteen charter members. The Rev. Joseph J. Lampe, Ph.D., 
D.D., first supplied this church until Rev. Thomas K. Hunter, D.D., 
was called to the pastorate in 1902. Dr. Hunter was succeeded by 
Rev. Henry Quickenden in 1907 and he was followed by Rev. Grant 
E. Fisher, D.D., who came on the field in 1909 and remained until 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 245 


1915. He was succeeded by Rev. Harry B. Foster. In 1922 Rev. 
Donald C. MacLeod, D.D., was installed and is the present pastor. 

The first house of worship was dedicated December 15, 1901. The 
present edifice was dedicated July 3, 1910. The capacity already 
has become cramped and plans for a new church are now under way 
for a structure to cost $250,000. 

The officers of the church are: 

Elders: 

Moderator: Rev. Donald C. MacLeod; Clerk: E. H. Westerfield; 
Eee Be ehomase Gave airchildeiwN a Crosby, J. Be Hitzeeralds Nas). 
Bakcioe bee bewliomasie el ws Loc ta ba Clarke, Reece Mebarlane, 
DeAe Galloway. S..G. wbayloreand ) )- Dy Berryman: 

The Deacons are :W. C. Slabough, Vernon J. Potter, J. A. Singer, 
A. H. Eilsworth, John Brownlee, Floyd A. Norman, Jesse E. Billings, 
D. G. Elderdge and Gunner A. Nestor. 

The Trustees are: F. H. Bristol, R. M. Crossman, M. E. Thom- 
See ee Sa DDS Be Deputy ine Gm beters, haem Omiitinem tal pit 
Russell, J. L. Haugh, F. W. Woods, J. L. Doan, Austin Dodds, V. 
D. Benedict, George M. Tunison and W. C. Slabough. 


GREAT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 


From the pen of Rev. E. E. Dagly comes a very exhaustive ac- 
count of the Omaha Theological Seminary, which has proven a 
telling factor in the development of the Presbyterian Church. 

“The greatness of men or institutions lies not in the material or 
visible elements, but in the inner spirit, the dominant passions, the 
ideals, the cumulative influence exerted throughout the years. Con- 
sequently we must consider the Omaha Theological Seminary cf the 
Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. a great institution. The charac- 
ter of the men graduated, her dominant missionary zeal, her loyalty 
to Christ and the Bible, to the Church and her standards of faith, 
her services rendered to the peoples of the earth—all these bestow 
the title of greatness upon her. 

“It was because of their missionary passion that forty members 
of the Synod of South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and lowa 
came together in the First Presbyterian church in Omaha on Feb- 
ruary 17, 1891. Before them was a great territory with unlimited 
opportunities for service, but with many vacant pulpits and unor- 
ganized fields. What was to be done to raise up men, representatives 
of Christ and His church, who would fill those vacant pulpits and 
serve as missionaries in the virgin fields? Clearly, something must 
be done. The call was unmistakable. They must plan to raise up 
their own leaders within the territory of this greatest of Home Mis- 
sionary opportunities, 


246 THE HISTORY@O heli 


“As a result of their deliberations and prayers it was decided to 
found a Theological Seminary in Omaha to meet the need, to develop 
and train men for this great work. A Board of Directors as chosen, 
which, in April, of that year, elected the members of the first faculty. 
We are not surprised the institution made a fine record from the 
beginning when we consider the men whose names appear in the 
list of those first instructors. They were: Wm. W. Harsha, D.D., 
LL.D., Professor of Didactic and Polemic Theology; Rev. Stephen 
Phelps, D.D., Professor of Ecclesiastical, Homiletical and Pastoral 
Theology; Rev. John Gordon, D.D., Professor of Ecclesiastical His- 
tory; Rev. Matthew B. Lowrie, D.D., Professor of New Testament 
Literature and Exegesis; Rev. Charles G. Sterling, D.D., Professor of 
Hebrew, and Rev. Thomas L. Sexton, D.D., Lecturer on Home Mis- 
sions. 


“The years brought their changes. None of these is with the 
Seminary now. Most of them have finished their work on earth, In 
1899 Dr. Lowrie was elected President, serving until 1910, when Dr. 
Albert B. Marshall was elected President. He served with great cred- 
it to himself and the institution for ten years. Dr. James Marquis 
Wilson, then pastor of the North church, Omaha, was elected to 
succeed Dr. Marshall. It is worth noting in passing that Dr. Wilson 
was a member of the original group of founders of the Seminary, 
being at that time pastor of the Castellar street church, Omaha, and 
that he taught English Bible early in the history of the institution. 

“During the thirty-three years since it was founded more than 
two hundred men have graduated, a number of whom are now in 
strong city pulpits or occupying places of prominence in the church 
at large. Among these are Dr. W. B. Lower, Holy Trinity church, 
Philadelphia; Dr. J. W. Bean, Dayton Avenue church, St. Paul, Minn.; 
Rev. Raymond H. Rutt, Oliver church, Minneapolis, Minn.; Dr. C. A. 
Arnold, Grace church, Kansas City, Kans., Rev. James M. Hamilton, 
North church, Omaha, Neb.; Rev. John E. Spencer, Tarkio, Mo.; Dr. 
W. B. Lampe. West church, St. Louis, where he has added approxi- 
mately one hundred twenty-five to the net roll of membership during 
each year of his pastorate; Dr. C. W. Weyer, Tacoma, Wash.; where 
they are building one of the finest church edifices in the denomina- 


tion, and Dr. M. Willard Lampe, Chicago, Secretary of the General 
Board of Education. 


“Others have heard the call of the far lands and have gone as 
missionaries to the benighted peoples. Among these are: Dr. Charles 
H. Bandy, Fatehgarh, India; Rev. H. S. Vincent, Siam and China; 
Dr. H. W. Lampe, Syenchyun, Chosen; Rev. J. Y.; Crothers, An 
Dong, Chosen; Rev, E. M. Smith, Ningpo, China; Rev. W. V. Stinson, 
Hoihow, Hainan, China; Rev. Paul B. Shedd, Resht, Persia; Rev. R. 
J. Blue, Venezuela; Rev. Norman E. Nygaard, Baranquilla, Colombia, 


PRESBYTERIAN: CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. ‘de | 


S. A.; Rev. George H. Winn, Taiku, Chosen. Besides these, two 
others have completed their years of service here and have entered 
into rest—Rev. E. A. Enders, India, and Rev. Fred L. Lyman, Laos. 


“Surely the Seminary has a right to be proud of these, her sons, 
but she has no less reason to be proud of the more than one hundred 
others who have gone to less prominent fields of the Central West 
to fulfil the original intentions of the founders. Eight are in South 
Dakota, eight in Missouri, eleven in Kansas, thirty-five in Iowa and 
fify in Nebraska. Theirs is the sacrificial service of the true follow- 
ers of Christ who must often work quietly and unostentatiously at 
an obscure task, that the all-important command of the Head of the 
Church be obeyed and the gospel be preached to all men. 

“However much she may have accomplished in the past her 
glory does not rest entirely on that record. She is as loyal today to 
the Christian standards, to the Christ and His Church, to the Bible 
and the great missionary enterprise as ever. She maintains the 
same high standard of scholarship that has characterized her through 
the years of her history. 

“The present faculty consists of Rev. Larimore C. Denise, D.D., 
President; Rev. James Marquis Wilson, D.D., Vice-Pres., and Pro- 
fessor of English Bible, Pastoral Theology and Homiletics; Rev. 
Daniel E. Jenkins, D.D., Ph.D., Professor of Didactic and Polemic 
Theology; Rev. Charles A. Mitchell, Ph.D., D.D., Professor of New 
Testament Literature and Exegesis; Rev. Charles Herron, A.M., D.D., 
Professor of Church History and Missions; Rev. Frank H. Ridgely, 
A.M., Ph.D., Profesor of Hebrew, Old Testament Literature and 
Exegesis. Dr. Denise is a graduate of Omaha, Dr. Wilson of Mc- 
Cormick, Drs. Herron and Ridgely of Western and Drs. Jenkins and 
Mitchell of Princeton. 

Durine the years the Seminary has acquired a property valued 
at $250,000. This property consists of two whole city blocks between 
Twentieth and Twenty-first streets on the east and west, and Emmet 
and Spenced streets on the north and south. This is an excellent 
location, in a good section of the city some thirty-five blocks from 
the downtown district. The main building is a four story, brick 
structure. The basement provides for boiler and engine rooms, care- 
taker’s rooms, gymnasium and dining hall for the Students’ Board- 
ing Club. The main floor has the library in the south end, reading 
room, class rooms, professors’ rooms and chapel on the north. The 
upper floors are used for dormitories where the single man and the 
men whose homes are in other towns, may have rooms while in at- 
tendance upon the classes. These are large, well lighted and very 
comfortable rooms. 


The library now has more than eight thousand volumes. Gifts 
from individuals are constantly increasing its size and usefulness. 


248 THESHESEORYs OLS 


It is growing in popularity with the students and the resident pas- 
tors of the city. 

The Directors of the Seminary turned in the hour of crisis to 
one of the sons of the Seminary and invited Dr. Larimore C. Denise 
of Pittsburgh to accept the Presidency. Dr. Denise is a graduate 
of Princeton University and of Omaha S-minary. Following his 
graduation he took post-graduate work in Western Seminary. He is 
a man of the Central West, his boyhood days having been spent in 
Omaha, where his father was a prominent physician and elder in 
the First Presbyterian church. He begins his duties with the con- 
fidence and prayers of those who know him. 

“Omaha Seminary looks out from her past through the present 
dithculties and insufficiencies in material things to the day when these 
insufficiencies shall have become things of the past, to the day when 
the endowment shall approximate the needs of the work in hand and 
the number of tudents enrolled shall approximate the wonderful op- 
portunities of this greatest of all home missionary territories.” 


The University of Omaha. 


The University of Omaha is an outcome of the modern edu- 
cational trend in the direction of establishing instiutions of higher, 
liberal, technical and professional training in the great centers of 
population. The growth of cities is the phenomenon of our modera 
civilization. In all countries which have progressed beyond the mere- 
ly agricultural stage of industrial developmert, the proportion of 
the total population residing in cities is steadily increasing at an 
astounding rate. 

This persistent and rapid concentration of populations entails 
grave economic, civic and social problems of the most crucial sort. 
Indeed, the problem of the city may be said to be the outstanding 
problem of our modern social organization. America’s greatest men- 
ace lies in her failure to adequately reckon with her municipal prob- 
lems. For this great task there must be trained efficiency and. this 
can be best provided only through appropriate agencies conducted 
in closest proximity to the problems which require to be scientifical- 
ly studied and treated. It is the recognition of this fact that has 
led to locating nowadays in cities various philanthropic institutions 
which formerly were thought to be rightly located only beyond the 
city limits. 

Actuated by such) considerations as the foregoing and by a sin- 
cere civic pride and devotion, a group of representative citizens or- 
ganized themselves, in the early summer of 1908, into a Board of 
Trustees and began the active promotion of the movement for the 
founding of a NON-SECTARIAN, co-educational institution of high- 
er liberal, professional and technical learning under such auspices as 





Joslyn Hall, University of Omaha, 


250 THE EIS TOR Ys © heir i 


would conduce to the highest type of intelligent and efficient citizen- 
ship. This Board incorporated as the University of Omaha on Octo- 
ber 8, 1908, and inaugurated its educational work on September 14, 
1909, with an enrollment of twenty-six students. During the last 
school year 968 students were enrolled. 

This University has steadily, year by year, extended the range 
of its educational work and is providing the advantages of higher 
liberal and practical education for hundreds of ambitious, intelligent 
and worthy young Omaha people, who otherwise would have been 
compelled to go from home to secure these advantages. 

The Rev. Daniel E. Jenkins, Ph.D., D.D., has been the prime 
mover and was chosen as the President in the very beginning of the 
life of this great and growing seat of learning. As President of the 
Institution Dr. Jenkins has been carrying more than a double burden 
of administrative and class room work. The Directors of the Uni- 
versity have authorized the President to submit a proposition to Rev. 
Julius F. Schwarz, D.D., to become the Executive Secretary, and 
thus relieve Dr. Jenkins of many of the administrative functions. 

(The University is located in a very attractive residential part 
of North Omaha. It is easily accessible from all parts of the city and 
its environs by way of the North Twenty-fourth street car-line, 
which is the principle thoroughfare of the city. 

The Board of Trustees is made up of some of the most influential 
and leading professional and business men and women: 

Officers ‘of the Board of Trustees: A. W. Gordon, Chairman, 
Wilson T. Graham, Secretary, D. W. Merrow, Treasurer. 


Board of Trustees. 

Term expiring 1926: Dr. J. H. Vance, P. W. Kuhns, A. C. Thom- 
sen, Park Billings, George Platner, Mrs. A. F, Jonas, George Ras- 
mussen, Dr. W. F. Callfas, R. A. McEachron, W. S. Robertson, Dr. 
Palmer Findley, Alice Ware. 

Term expiring 1925: Judge Howard Kennedy, M. B. Copeland, 
John Bekins. H. A. Myers. Mrs. George A. Joslyn, Mrs. C. V. Vin- 
cent, Mrs. M. O. Maul, 'W. T. Graham, H.Kieser, Robert Cowell, 
A. W. Gordon, A. B. Currie, J. E. Davidson. 

Term expiring 1924: A.A. Lamereaux, D. E. Jenkins, W. A. Gor- 
don, G. W. Black) DrvA. i. Jonas Dra Bas Lords Daas victLonws 
Dr. W. S. Gibbs; A. N- Eaton, Georse H> Paynes:@™ Vancents Dr: 
Sanford Gifford. 


The Executive Committee is made up as follows: J. E. David- 
son, Park Billings, A. B. Currie, A. W. Gordon, John Bekins, D. E. 
Jenkins, D. W. Merrow, W. T. Graham, H. A. Myers, J. H. Vance. 

Two beautiful and modernly equipped buildings grace the Uni- 
versity campus and a third building is under way at a cost of $100,000. 

The University is attracting a continually increasing number of 





Memorial Gymnasium, University of Omaha. 


252 PHBE TS PO RVG © lear os 


non-resident students. It has done much toward making Omaha 
a recognized educational center. Prof. Gilbert James, M.A., Ph.D., 
is the Dean of the faculty, made up of a competent and intellectual 
personnel of instructors. 


The educational system of the University is being built on the 
assumption that the moral and religious atmosphere is not only con- 
ducive to the completest culture but that it is necessary to the dev- 
elopment of the highest type of manhood and womanhood. Con- 
vocation exercises are conducted daily in the chapel. These ex- 
ercises are opened with a reading from the Scriptures and prayer. 
There are two distinctively religious organizations of students, the 
Young Men’s Christian Association and the Young Women’s Chris- 
tian Association. 


-@ 


State Capitul 





The New State House, Lincoln, Nedraska. 


CONTENTS AND INDEX. 
CHAPTER V. 


BEGINNING AND GROWTH OF THE PRESBYTERIAN 
CHURCH IN LINCOLN, NEBRASKA. 


—=-= 


SS 
= 
= 
= 
— 
































First Presbyterian Church. 
Name of Church 


Page 
Bins ieeresb yire tacit © L117 1a eee eae eae 2 ee eS 
Secords Presb yer ic tim © linc hye eee eee ee 250 
‘Third« Presbpteriany Ghitrch se 2seec ts ee 258 
IWiestmiinistetamianesbiyie tenes Glatt Chien ees Ada 258 
Hishlands ba tkeeres psy teiich ie ini cliieeeseeeesemee = ete eneeneeees are te 259 
University, BlacesWiestoimsteta © ich cee 259 
Arbor Place Presbyterian Church 


Od PSG sol RITE 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ORGANIZED IN LINCOLN 
MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS AGO. 


At a meeting of the Presbytery known as the Presbytery of 
Counci! Bluffs, held at Nebraska City, September 6, 1867, action was 
taken to organize a church at Lincoln, Nebraska. Lincoln was then 
a shanty town, surrounded by sage brush and mosquitoes. Salt creek 
was its chief attraction and an important factor. The Rev. J. C. 
Elliott and Col. Irish were appointed by the named Presbytery to 
organize the church today known as the First Presbyterian church 
of Lincoln, Nebraska. The organizing committee met with an un- 
favorable reception. They sought their night’s lodging by climbing 
a ladder into a loft where they spent the night. The next morning 
they came down to wash, but the wind blew so hard that they had to 
hold the basin with one hand while they washed with the other, and 
at the same time the wind blew the water out of the dish. Col. 
Trish remarked, “You can never make a town here, let us go home.” 
They could not even find one person for an organization. The Rev. 
Mr. Elliott returned later and found seven persons ready to be en- 
rolled, two men and five women. Mr. Howard Kennedy came with 
Rev. Elliott the second time and afterward became an elder of the 
church. It is believed that Mr. Kennedy’s son, Judge Howard Ken- 
nedy of Omaha, was the first Presbyterian baby born in Lincoln. The 
church was formally organized April 4, 1869. The sermon at the 
organization service was preached by Rev. Elliott from the text, 
Isaiah 42: 3. 

Rev. Harlan P. Peck, who was a classmate and intimate friend 
of Dr. John H. Carpenter, stopped with Dr. Carpenter in Wisconsin 
enroute to Helena, Montana, with a view of becoming a missionary 
in the last named state. In his letter to Dr. Carpenter he stated, “I 
never reached Helena, but was switched off to a new town in Nebras- 
ka, called Lincoln.” He became the first pastor of the First Pres- 
byterian church of Lincoln. 


The first persons to unite with the church by letter were: W. J. 
Turner, John N. T. Jones, Mrs. E. L: Jones, Cyrus H. Street, Chas. 
McManen, Samuel Alexander, John Morrison, James Eckerman, 
Dr. L. H. Robbins, Mrs. M,. A. Robbins, W. A. Kellogg. The first 
person received on profession of faith was B. M. Brake and the 
first death among the members was that of A. M. McCandless, one 
of the charter members. 

The congregation first worshiped in a small white frame build- 
ing on the block which is now included between P and Q and Ninth 


256 CH Ee EES OlcvoO Beier 


and Tenth streets. There were ten charter members. In 1869 Lin- 
coln had nine hundred inhabitants. It was not until January, 1870 
that the church secured the regular services of a minister. The Rev. 
H. P. Peck began his labors January 17, of that year and was in- 
stalled on the last Tuesday of April, 1871. The church at this time 
held its services in a hall in the second story of building which stood 
on a lot now occupied by the First National Bank. 


The first church edifice was erected near the corner of 11th and 
J. streets, (it is still standing) on lots donated by the state and was 
dedicated to the worship of Almighty God October 9, 1870. The Rev. 
T. H. Cleland, D.D., then of Council Bluffs, lowa, preached the ser- 
mon. The first sanctuary was built at a cost of $5,000 and with var- 
ious improvements from time to time continued to be the house of 
worship until December, 1884. 


Ground was broken for the erection of the present church edi- 
fice in April, 1884. Its lecture room was completed in September, 
1885, and was occupied as a place of worship until the middle of 
January, 1886, when the main auditorium was finished and immediate- 
ly set apart to its sacred uses. The church was built at a cost of 
$40,000 and dedicated to the worship of God January 18, 1886. The 
Rev. A. V. V. Raymond, D.D., preached the sermon. This edifice, 
located at Thirteenth and M streets, while adequate for its day 
has long since been insufficient for numerous activities of the present 
as well as the increased attendance and numerical growth in meim- 
berhip. 


In 1923 the church purchased a manse at a cost of $18,000, located 
at 2624 Washington street. 


The following ministers have served the church as either pastor 
or stated supply: 


Rev. Harlan P. Peck from January 1870 to June 1874; Rev. J. H. 
Ellis, April 1875 to March, 1876; Rev. S. H. Weller, D.D., April 1876 
to July 1878; Rev. James Kemloy, January 1879 to December 1879; 
Rev. J. O. Gordon, July 1880 to November 1882; Rev. E. H. Curtis, 
D.D., January 1883 to June 1895; Rev. W. M. Hindman, D.D., Decem- 
ber 1896 to March 1902; Rev. H. C. Swearingen, D.D., LL.D., De- 
cember 1902 to December 1906; Rev. W. W. Lawrence, D.D., April 
1908 ‘to December 1912; Rev. Leon: D> Young, DiDee lease. 
tember 1914 to November 1920, The present pastor, Rev. Beu- 
jamin Marklet Nyce, D.D., was installed in January, 1921. 

The following ruling elders constitute the present session: F. L. 
Everts, Clerk; W. S. Adams, H. F. Hovland, Dr. H. W. Hewitt. W. 
J. Hemphill, J. L. Kizer, A. A. Reed, George O. Smith, Dr: M. E. 
Vance, Roy. H. Watford, F. E. Wolfe and H. C. Young. 


The session reports 850 resident members, and 220 non-resident; 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 251 


300 affiliated members, students attending the State University. The 
church has an annual budget of approximately $26,000. 


It has a Board of Trustees of twelve members: Dr. E. J. Angle, 
George J. Adams, C. W. Branch, I .G. Chapin, Miss Rose Carson, 
Donalda4~ Chaping Ee Jo Faulkner, Fo) M: Hall, W. T. Irons, J, 5 
LeRossgnol, Mrs. W. W. Whitfield and Mrs. J. W. Winger. 

The Rev. Hugh Taylor, D.D., represents this church on the 
foreign field, at Nan, Siam. 


Walter S. Adams is treasurer of the church, Miss Margaret C. 
Welton, secretary, Miss Louise McWhinnie is treasurer’s assistant. 

inemushercearean elem onipes mm © mGiacpitlcem |e: ou VVOOdSHeleasEy 
Rolfe, E. G. Funke, Dr. J. J. Davis, Frank Watson, Lee Solomon. 

The choir is composed of: Miss Lucille Cline, Soprano, Mrs. 
F. O. Schlegel, Contralto, Homer K. Compton, Tenor, Hermanus 
Baer, Bass, and Mrs. Edith B. Ross, Organist and Director. 


The Second Presbyterian Church. 


This church was organized October 1888. A few met in East 
Lincoln and organized a Bible school with about seventy members. 
This school was on Q street. Two lots were bought on Twenty- 
sixth and P streets after they had used a store building for a time 
on Twenty-seventh and J streets. On March 13, 1889, the church was 
regularly organized. There were thirty-five charter members. The 
Rev Charles E. Bradt, D.D., (who has since died,) was the pastor. 
Dr Bradt was succeeded by Rev. H. N. Dunning of Pawnee City, 
who was called to this pastorate in August, 1896, leaving in 1898. 
Rev. Dr. B. M. Long was then called and began his work in August, 
1899. June 8, 1902 the church edifice was destroyed by fire. Services 
were held in a hall for a year, on the corner of Twenty-fourth and O 
streets and one year in a temporary tabernacle on Twenty-seventh 
street between O and P streets. The new church was then com- 
pleted. Dr. Long’s pastorate closed December 31, 1914. Rev. J. P. 
Anderson was, then called and accepted the pastorate January 20, 
1915. His pastorate closed April 28, 1918. The present pastor, Rev. 
S. S. Hilscher was called to the pulpit in 1919. Today this church 
reports a membership of 711 communicants. 

The foreign pastor, Rev. Howard Campbell, D.D., Chieng Mai, 
Northern Siam. 

The session: Rev. Solomon S. Hilscher, moderator; Titus Davis, 
lege Vel, Mastetrday. ). A. sett oH. oP) sVanSickle” Prof, P)K, 
Slaymaker, F. C. Harrington, George Cultra, M. H. Wittstruck and 
William J. Nicholson. 

The trustees: Fred W. Hall, Pres., Ira Baker, Vice-Pres., Carl 
Wicbusch, Secretary; W. J. Edwards, Leon W. Chase, J. M. Jones, 
Delmer Stover, S. L. Kier, M. O.-Trester. 


258 THE HISTORY. OF CHE 


Third Presbyterian Church. 


On May 16, 1890, at Warn’s Chapel on Wood street, the Third 
Presbyterian church was organized, J. W. McMillan and C. S. Cla- 
son were elected elders and Rev. C. G. A. Hullhorst was chosen as 
the first pastor. A chapel was constructed and work begun on the 


corner of Eleventh and Plum strects. In 1894 this chapel was en- 
larged. The Third church is not now in existence; it was disbanded 
in 1910. The church property was sold to the St. John’s Evangelical 
Lutheran church. 


The Westminster Church. 


The Westminster church began as a Sunday school under the 
care of the Second church in 1892. Its first meeting place was in a 
vacant building on the corner of twenty-eighth and E streets. Later 
the congregation met in a building on Twenty-seventh and Randolph 
streets. Then a chapel was erected on the corner of Twenty-fourth 
and A streets. It was then called the “South Side Mission,” and 
later “Pleasant Hill Church.” On the twelfth of February, 1905, a 
church organization was called the “Westminster Presbyterian 
church.” Forty-one charter members were enrolled. Rev. R. M. 
Stevenson, D.D., was installed as pastor May 9, 1905, but resigned 
October 15, 1905, to become president of the Westminster college at 
Salt Lake. November 19, 1905, Rev. Ralph H. Housman was called 
and accepted. In November 1907, the present church edifice, corner 
of Twenty-third and Garfield streets, was dedicated. Rev. Housman 
resigned in December, 1907. For six months Dr. Carpenter and Rev. 
Byrom Beall supplied the pulpit. Rev. H. V. Comin, D.D., began 
his labors in July, 1908. The church was vacant for a number of 
months when Rey. Rudolph W. Caughy became pastor and remained 
seven years. The Rev. W. W. Lawrence, D.D., was the next to suc- 
ceed and served two years, when he was called to his higher reward. 
The present pastor is the Rev. Paul C. Johnston. The church today 
has an enrollment of three hundred members. 

The Drector of Christian Education is Miss Ruth J Easterday. 

The sesson: R. D. Latsch (1925,) O. A. Andrews (1925,) Dr. F. 
B. Johnson (1925,) Dr. R. A. Lyman (1926) Oswald R. Black (1926,) 
W. EE. Bell ¢1926,) C.F. Bukey (1927,) Byron E. Yoder (1927)ei- 
B. Robinson (1927.) 

The trustees: Dr. F. W. Webster, Chairman (1926,) F. L. Hardy 
(1925,) W. C. Steffensmeyer (1925,) L. R. Freadrich (1925;)) RoeD: 
Kile (1926,) M. T. Caster (1926,) Dr. F. M. Andrus (1927,) William 
Grant (1927,) J. R. Dougan (1927.) 


C. tL. Morrison is the treasurer of the church. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN NEBRASKA. 259 


The Westminster Presbyterian Church of University Place. 


This church had its commencement in 1907. In Tanuary of that 
year Rev. Thompson of the United Presbyterian church of Lincoln, 
came to University Place and preached a sermon in Beebe’s Hall. 
After preaching for several Sundays the question of organizing a 
church was brought up, but was not favored owing to the fact that 
there were not enough people of the Presbyterian faith to justify it. 
The Rev. B. M. Long, D.D., of Lincoln Second church, came to Uni- 
versity place and held services in the afternoons in the nanied hall 
for several months, On April 21, an organization was perfected with 
thirty-six charter members. December first, 1907, Rev. J. E. Weir 
was secured as the first regular pastor. Rev. Alexander Keener 
came next. He was succeeded in 1917 by Rev. James B. Brown, who 
resigned the pastorate in January 1924 to become Field Secretary for 
the Hastings college. Rev. Alexander Wimberly was called and is 
the present pastor. In 1910 a modern equipped church edifice was 
erected at a cost of $10,000. The church has a modern eight room 
manse. 


The session: C. R. Brown, R. S. Arnold, G. H. Graham. E. M. 
Longstreth, J. F. Flood. J. B. Stockman is clerk of the session. 

The Board of Trustees: W. A. Stemple, Pres, S. A. Cornell, 
Treas., A. B. Butler, J. M. Little, W. M. Stoner, Grant Henderson, 
Ben R. Hitch and Wayne F. Gibbs. 


Highland Park Church. 


The Highland Park Church was organized into a church and 
enrolled in 1919. The Rev. Ralph W. Orr was the first pastor instal- 
led and was succeeded by Rev. Aaron S. Hutcheson in 1922. The 
present pastor is Rev. Hutcheson. With this pastorate is grouped 
the Arbor Presbyterian church, Elder C. N. Gostin is the clerk of 
the session of the last named church. His address is R.F.D. 5. Lin- 
coln, Nebraska. 

Herman Hammerman, R. 6, is the clerk of the Highland Park 
Presbyterian church session. 





INDEX 


— 

FE TOTES PLE CO Mas. ecda eaten cate cag pce eh ng eee rere ie John Calvin 
WS eM Ko cs eee te PU re Rane a ee PE ee OR Se te tN tte echoanece 5 
Chapter I) Presbyterianismm Explained sg een ee "4 
Chapter II, The Beginning of the Organized Life and the 

Development of the Presbyterian Church -..-. WW 29 
Duties of ; Members) isco noes tapevce ee o eneee 119 
Some-Principles:ot Presbyterian Gover mim emte ee reese eee 119 
GoldenwAnniversatyaey Ct eta 1S gare eeere teense erent ee 120 
Poem, “At Church Next: Sunday. cece tee 131 
Chapters LINGoldentAnniversary. Ghurchesys == t33 
Eo emigre hee dealie Mitts te tes nv Vil teen eee eee ee eee rae 211 
Chapter IV, A Half-Century of Presbyterianism in Omaha ............ 212 
lilitistration, staves Capitol oincol nee Nie@bias cases sae 253 
Chapter V, Beginning and Growth of the Presbyterian 

Church an “Lancoln, Nebraska. dese. eee eee eee 254 


Nineteen Twenty-Four Statistics of the Synod of Nebraska ............ 261 


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